What To Do If Your Drains Are Backing Up
If you are having a sewage backup in the drains in your home, it could be a huge disaster in no time at all. This type of backup can occur in any drain of your home, including your bathtub, sink, floor, or even your washing machine drain. If you have a backup such as this, you most likely have a clog somewhere. Read on for tips to help you know what to do if your drains are backing up in your home.
Stop Using Your Drains
Stop using the drains in your home. Don't flush any toilets in your house, don't run water down your sinks, and don't attempt to put anything down your floor drain. This isn't going to do anything, and it will only cause more of a backup. You can use your faucet as long as you aren't putting anything down the drains in your house.
Find The Clog
You need to figure out where the clog is. If you have a backup in all of your drains, it's most likely in the main drain. You can try to get into this drain from your toilet using a snake, but a rotating snake may cause damage to your toilet. Try this drain first, carefully, to see if you can reach the clog. If it's out further, you may need to go outside. If you have a cleanout outside of your house, use this to get out further in your main drain. Remove the cap on your cleanout and start the snaking process. If you aren't sure how to use a rotating snake, you can hire a professional to do this job for you. If you think you can handle the task, you can rent a snaking machine from your local tool rental shop.
If you don't have a cleanout outside of your home, you might have to have one put in. This type of work should be left to a plumbing company like Walt's Plumbing to ensure it is done properly.
Clean Up
After you have the clog removed, it's time to clean up. The water backing up could contain bacteria and all types of germs and toxins that can be harmful to your health. Clean up your floors, tubs, sinks and washing machine using bleach and water. Wear protective gloves, eyewear, and clothing. Clean the areas thoroughly with the bleach water solution, repeating the cleaning process if need be. Wash everything you wore or used to clean these areas by using hot water and bleach.
If your drains are backing up in your home, it could be a disaster if you don't find the clog and make the repairs right away. Call a professional plumber if you aren't sure what to do or how to clear out the clog.