Sewage Cleaning in Merchantville NJ, Sewage Backup in Merchantville NJ, and Prevention Tips,

Sewage Cleaning in Merchantville NJ, Sewage Backup in Merchantville NJ, and Prevention Tips,

Backed up sewers can wreak havoc on a home, causing thousands of

dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical
systems. Sewer backup coverage is available from most insurers for a
nominal cost—usually an additional annual premium of $40-$50.

For homes that have been severely damaged and are uninhabitable,
homeowners policies may provide Loss of Use coverage, which provides
reimbursement for lodging, food and other living expenses you may incur
as a result of having to live outside of your home. Loss of Use coverage
also reimburses you for the lost rental income if you rent out part of
the house.

Causes of Sewer Backup

Aging Sewer Systems: The Civil Engineering Research
Foundation reports that the number of backed up sewers is increasing at
an alarming rate of about 3 percent annually. In addition, a recent
report from the American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that the
nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty
years old. The increase in the number of homes connected to already
aging sewage systems has also contributed to rapid increases in sanitary
sewer backups, flooded basements and overflows.

Combined Pipelines: Problems also arise in systems
that combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline. During
many rain storms, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can
handle, and the result is a sewage backup situation that allows sewage
to spew out into basements and other low lying drains.

Blockages Due to Tree Roots: Shrubs and trees
seeking moisture will make their way into sewer line cracks. These roots
can cause extensive damage. They may start out small, getting into a
small crack in the pipe; but as the tree or shrub continues to grow, so
does the root. Tree roots can enter the service pipe at joints and cause
blockages. Tree roots can travel a long way, and roots from different
types of trees act differently. If city trees are suspected, your
plumber can contact the city, and samples of the roots will be used to
help identify the trees and who is responsible for cleanup. Sometimes
the blockage is a result of a combination of city and private trees. In
this case costs are split between the city and the property owner.

Sanitary Main: A blockage can occur in a city
sanitary main. If the blockage is not detected in time, sewage from the
main can back up into homes and businesses through floor drains. Usually
this happens slowly, giving the owner time to call a licensed plumber
to assess the damage. If water is entering into your basement at a rapid
rate, call the city public works office and report the problem
immediately.

Water in Basement: Most basement flooding is not
related to the sanitary sewer system. In many cases, soil settles
adjacent to the building and, if not corrected, leads to rainwater
flowing towards the building and down the outside of the foundation
wall. This is particularly true in older buildings, where cracks may
have developed in the foundation or floor slab that allow water to enter
the basement. The cement floor and basement walls of these structures
may have deteriorated to the point that they are no longer waterproof.
In these cases, water can show up in a basement that has never had a
water problem. This will usually happen after a number of rain storms,
when the ground is saturated. Drainage can be improved by making sure
that water drains away from the building. Owners may also be able to
prevent flooding by water sealing the basement.

Most homeowners may not realize that they are responsible for the
maintenance and repair of their house or sewer lateral—the pipeline
between the city sanitary sewer main, usually located in the street—and
the building. The sewer lateral is owned and maintained by the property
owner including any part that extends into the street or public right of
way. A cracked or deteriorated lateral or one filled with tree roots
can allow groundwater to seep into the system, contributing to the
problem.

How to File a Claim

For insurance purposes, take before and after photos of the affected
areas and itemize any property losses. Save all receipts related to
repair, cleaning or damages and contact your insurance agent or company
representative as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Backups In Your Lateral and in the City Main

Dispose of Grease Properly: Cooking oil should be
poured into a heat-resistant container and disposed of properly, after
it cools off, not in the drain. Washing grease down the drain with hot
water is unsatisfactory. As the grease cools off, it will solidify
either in the drain, the property owner's line, or in the main sewer
causing the line to constrict and eventually clog.

Dispose of Paper Products Properly: Paper towels,
disposable (and cloth) diapers and feminine products can cause a great
deal of trouble in the property owner's lateral as well as in the city
main. These products do not deteriorate quickly, as bathroom tissue
does, so do not put them down the drain or toilet.

Replace Your Line with New Plastic Pipe: One way to
prevent tree roots from entering your line is to replace your line and
tap with new plastic pipe. If you have continuing problems with tree
roots in your lateral, you may have to have the roots cut periodically.

Correct Illegal Plumbing Connections: Do not connect
French drains, sump pumps and other flood control systems to your
sanitary sewer. It is illegal, and debris and silt will clog your line.
Consult a plumber to correct any pre-existing illegal connections.
French drains are common drainage systems, primarily used to prevent
ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building
foundations.

Install a Backwater Prevention Valve: A backwater
valve is a fixture installed into a sewer line, and sometimes into a
drain line, in the basement of your home or business to prevent sewer
backflows. A properly installed and maintained backwater valve allows
sewage to go out, but not to come back in. Property owners are
responsible for the installation and maintenance of backwater valves.
The cost to install one depends on the type of plumbing in the building
and the difficulty of installation. Check with a qualified plumber.

What to Do If You Experience a Sewer Backup

A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables,
damage to your house or business, and can even result in electrical
malfunctions. Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the
inconvenience and prevent mold or further damage. If you experience a
sewer backup situation, immediately arrange for the cleanup of your
property. This should include:

• Wet-vacuuming or removal of spillage
• Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant
• Flushing out and disinfecting plumbing fixtures
• Steam cleaning or removing wet carpets or drapes
• Repairing or removing damaged wallboard or wall covering
• Cleanup of ductwork

Jon Barrett

Marketing and Sales Support

SERVPRO of Cherry Hill/Haddonfield

Phone: (856) 662-2772

Email: JBarrett@SP9157.com

Websites:

http://www.servprocherryhillha...

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