Winter weather can become a nuisance for homeowners throughout Lansing and other surrounding communities in Michigan. While every home is vulnerable to different plumbing issues during this season, nothing causes more panic and financial strain than a sewage backup. If this happens to you, you’ll need to take measures to fix it right away to avoid further water damage and potential health hazards.

In this post, we’ll share the common causes of sewage backups during the winter season, and what property owners can do to minimize the health and financial risks.

Causes of Winter Sewage Backup

1.    Frozen Pipes

Lansing temperatures can drop 10-15 degrees below zero during winter, which can easily cause outdoor sewage lines to freeze and burst due to high pressure and expansion. Secondly, after the snow melts into the ground near the drains, it can cause sewers to freeze and lead to flooding. This isn’t typically a common occurrence. However, when it does occur, it can cause a major inconvenience.

2.    Gutters and Downspouts

Another major cause of sewage backup during winter is improper or irregular gutter & downspout cleanup which encourages debris buildup, such as leaves, stones, sticks, plastic, etc. to block the drain. This is because sewer lines are not designed to hold a large capacity of debris or water, and therefore, can’t effectively sustain the flow.

3.    Heavy Rainfall

Every Lansing resident is responsible for the main sewer line until the edge of their property and should proactively call home restoration services to pump the sewage before the start of the season. This is because most combined sewer lines collect sewage and rainwater simultaneously. While there’s nothing you can do to stop the rain, what you can do is regularly clean your tank to ensure it doesn’t flood.

What to Do In the Event Of a Sewage Backup

The sewer on your property is your responsibility to maintain. And the best way to manage a sewer back is to not have one in the first place. Most sewage backup cleanup services offer a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual inspection program, involving scoping, repairing and cleaning of existing drains. In most cases, this is cheaper than repairs. However, if you’re past prevention and need to fix the problem, here’s what you can do while the home restoration service is on its way:

1.    Turn Off the Power and Evacuate the Flooded Area

If the sewage backup has flooded your basement or room, the first thing you need to do is turn off the power, as electrical wires and appliances can come in contact with the standing water. However, if the main circuit breaker is beyond reach or in the basement, don’t go near it. Once the power is off, evacuate the flooded room to minimize health and safety hazards.

2.    Shut Off Your Home’s Water Supply

Next, you need to temporarily shut off the main water line and avoid using the water supply system until the sewage backup problem is fixed. This includes flushing toilets or draining the sink or tub. You should also open all your windows and doors to improve ventilation, promote drying, and prevent odor buildup.

3.    Call a Home Restoration Company

Now, it’s time to call a home restoration company specializing in sewage backup removal and cleanup. Once the team arrives, they will assess the water damage and make emergency repairs to control the flooding. They will also help move around your furniture and appliances to avoid further damages and document everything through pictures and videos for the insurance companies.

4.    Call Your Insurance Company

Unless you’re dealing with a minor blockage or cracked pipe, most repair jobs aren’t DIY. Therefore, you need to contact your insurance company to take care of some or all of the expenses. Using the evidence provided by the restoration experts, the insurance adjuster can estimate a fair compensation for damages and approve the repairs.

5.    Dry Out Your Things to Prevent Further Water Damage

While the restoration experts work on cleanup and repairs, you should make a plan to get everything wet to dry, such as furniture, walls, floors, carpet, and appliances, etc. Once the power is back on, you can turn on the fans to speed up the process.

Acclaimed Sewage Backup Cleanup Services – 911 Restoration of Lansing

Events like rainstorms and snow are common during the winter in Lansing and can easily overwhelm and strain sewers and septic systems, leading to blockage and floods. At 911 Restoration of Lansing, our team of highly trained and experienced restoration experts will leave no stones unturned when inspecting your sewage systems for blockage and damage. Using the latest cleaning and repair equipment, we will return your home to its original state in no time while ensuring that you and your family are safe from all biohazards.

Feel free to call us for more information regarding our home restoration services.