In Sewer

Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, TN

It’s probably one of your home-owning nightmares; you wake, come home to or realize you have a sewer backup issue. Floods are usually the number one cause of extensive water damage to homes, but this can also cause a sewage backup from sanitary sewer lines through drainpipes. Not only is the damage a daunting issue to deal with, but it can also be expensive. We hope this never happens to you, but if it does here’s our advice on taking care of the problem quickly and correctly.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to remain in my house after a sewer backup?

Unfortunately no, this is considered a health hazard, and you should evacuate your home at the first signs of sewer backup. Black water, which is a category 3, is contaminated and can harm you and your family.

Why is a sewer backup hazardous?

Human feces and urine attract multiple viruses while making their way into sewage. Gross, tell us about it! Viruses can include Rotavirus, Adenoviruses, and Norovirus. There are also harmful parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Sewage can also contain bacterial pathogens like Salmonella, Shigella and Escherichia coli. If that’s not enough to make you run frantically out the door, we don’t what will.

Can I clean up a sewer backup myself?

Cleaning a sewer backup is a significant undertaking. If not completed properly you can spread contamination from one room to another. Also, remember those pesky viruses and bacteria we mentioned before, if not handled properly you are more susceptible to those health risks.

What should I look for in my homeowner’s insurance policy?

All policies will differ based upon the plan you chose. We suggest checking this before a sewer backup issue occurs. The city will not be the insurance provider, but they may be held responsible for damages or injury that fall under legal reasons, although this is fairly uncommon.

What can I do to help prevent sewer backups?

One thing you can do to prevent sewer backups is to install a backflow valve. A backflow valve keeps the undesirable reversal of flow of a liquid, gas, or suspended solid into the potable water supply from occurring. Another preventative step is making sure not to dump oils or grease down the drain. You should make sure not to grow trees or shrubs near sewer lines as well.

Who is responsible for the problem and who should I call to repair it?

The property owner is responsible for paying for the work, so making sure your insurance policy covers this is key. The best person to call in this situation is a restoration professional. A restoration company will be able to secure your home and possibly remove dangerous content before beginning any repair work.

At Spotless Carpet Cleaners we know what it’s like to be at the mercy of a Sewer backup, and we take making your home a safe environment seriously. If your home has suffered water damage or is experiencing mold growth as a result of a sewer backup, contact Spotless Carpet Cleaners today. Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration.

Spotless Carpet Cleaners has been serving the Tri-Cities area of Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee for more than four decades. Bob Pakrul founded our company in 1975. If you have questions or your home is the victim of sewer backup, please call us at (423) 926-9251.