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The holiday season is just around the corner! The festive cheer of family gatherings, delicious feasts, and an exciting end to 2023 is undeniably in the air. However, amidst the holiday spirit, ensuring that your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly is crucial to prevent any unforeseen sewage backups that can dampen the joyous atmosphere.

Here are some essential tips to prevent sewage backup during the holidays. The tips below will help maintain your property’s plumbing and drainage system and keep your celebrations stress-free.

What Happens During a Sewage Backup?

A sewage backup occurs when the flow of wastewater is obstructed or reversed, causing sewage to overflow into a building or surrounding areas. This can happen for several reasons, though the culprit is often blockages in the sewer line, excessive rainfall, or a problem with the municipal sewer system.

You wouldn’t want a sewage backup issue during the holiday season. On top of potentially causing property damage, it can also result in foul odors, sewer water contamination, mold infestations, and potential health risks.

In order to prevent and mitigate the impacts of sewage backup, it’s best to maintain your property’s connection to the local sewer system, promptly address any blockages, and take preventive measures, especially if you live in flood-prone areas. In case of a severe sewage backup, professional help should be sought for sewage backup cleanup to disinfect the affected area and address the root cause of the issue.

How To Prevent Sewage Backup

Follow these tips to minimize the risks of issues arising during the festive season.

• Dispose of Fat, Oil, and Grease Properly

After cooking your holiday meals, disposing of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down your kitchen sink is never a good idea. FOG can stubbornly cling onto the inside of your pipes and require professional sewage backup cleanup to be removed completely. Over time, FOG will build up in your pipes and narrow the pathway through which water and other debris can pass, making your drains prone to clogging and causing sewage backups.

There are plenty of alternative ways to dispose of FOG after cooking and prevent sewage backups. Use waste cooking oil solidifiers or let it freeze to harden it. From there, you can scrape the oil and toss the remains in the garbage can. You could also use a designated container to store your waste FOG and dispose of it once full.

• Proper Food Waste Disposal

Your garbage disposal can handle most food scraps – the keyword here being most. Using it to throw away things not meant for disposal can lead to significant plumbing issues later on. When the holiday feasts are over, avoid using your garbage disposal to dispose of the following food items:

• • Coffee grounds
  • Pasta, rice, bread, oats, and other grains that can absorb water and swell
  • Animal bones
  • Nuts, seeds, and pits
  • Egg shells
  • Fibrous fruits and vegetables (potato peels, celery, cucumber peels, banana peels, asparagus, etc.)
• Maintain Your Drains and Sewer Lines

Your drains and sewer lines can build up blockages over time. To prepare these for the holiday season, have a professional inspect your systems beforehand. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues in your sewer lines before they become significant problems.

Use a professional plumbing service to inspect and maintain proper flow and prevent sewage back-ups. They can recommend repairs or point out common issues caused by improper use.

• Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump removes excess water from your property that could potentially cause flooding and divert it away from your property. Ensure your existing sump pump is in good working condition; if you don’t have one, consider installing one in your basement. Test it periodically and remove any accumulated debris to prevent sewage backup and clogging, especially during heavy rain.

• Minimize Water Use During Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rainfall can overwhelm your local sewer system and increase the risk of backups. If your area experiences heavy rainfall during the holidays, avoid using too much water. If your sewer system is overloaded, it may not have the capacity to drain your wastewater, which can result in drainage problems.

Contact Restoration 1 for Sewage Backup Cleanup in Colorado Springs

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a sewage backup. Our professional team knows and understands that preventive measures against sewage backup during the holidays are essential for a stress-free and enjoyable celebration. Following these tips can effectively protect your home from unwanted sewage issues.

If you’re faced with sewage backup issues and aren’t sure which step to take, contact the Restoration 1 of Colorado Springs professionals. Contact us for reliable property restoration solutions delivered by professional technicians in your area.