No one wished for a sewage leak, and they always seem to happen at the worst time. Not only are they dangerous to your home, but they can also put your family at risk. To keep you and your family safe, we’ve compiled a few of the best tips for preventing septic system leaks from happening to your home.
Sewage Leak Health Hazards
Septic system leaks are like a punch in the gut, and you may consider wading into a small pool to try and fix things, but this can put you and your family in harm’s way.
Sewage contains harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses that make any area with an active leak unsafe. The longer a leak is active, the more damage it does to your home — and the greater the risk of your family becoming sick from touching the sewage or breathing in contaminated air.
What to Do After a Sewage Leak
If you spot a leak, you should:
- Call a plumber who is specialized in septic system repairs and tell them you have a leak emergency. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ll notify any municipal sewer departments or health departments that need to be contacted.
- Move all of your children and pets away from the sewage.
- Turn off the power to any room with standing water only if you can safely do so. You should also safely turn off the power if there’s a chance electrical wiring could come into contact with water or soggy materials.
- Turn off any source of water that you can, and avoid flushing any toilets until the leak is stopped.
How to Prevent Septic System Leaks
Sewage spills and septic system leaks are often caused by clogged pipes or pipes with too much flow, often caused by groundwater that gets into your sewer systems. To prevent problems before they happen, here are some of the best ways to prevent leaks in your Syracuse home:
- Collect grease in an absorbent container and put it out with the trash, never down the drain.
- Only flush what’s made to be flushed! Paper towels, napkins, candy bar wrappers, and other materials can quickly clog your drains.
- Try to compost larger food scraps. Your garbage disposal won’t always cut food up small enough, which can lead to pipes clogged by orange peels, corn husks, celery, pasta, and other foods that are high in starch or fiber.
- Clear away any debris from sewer cleanout lines, and make sure your yard, deck, and pool drains aren’t connected to your sewer line. During rain storms or when ice thaws, too much water can enter your system and cause a backup.
These are some easy ways for you to keep your sewer lines clear and prevent septic system leaks. Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing today to learn more about your septic system and learn how to keep it clear. We are your experts for Syracuse septic system repairs, and we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with fast, friendly service.
