One of the most disgusting and stressful home disasters is the back up of a sewage line. In urban areas this can happen when heavy rains overload ancient storm drains. The drainage lines from urban homes are invariably tied into the same system. When they become full, everything backs up to (and out of!) the closest opening. Many urban sewer systems are centuries old. These old systems are dilapidated and inadequate. Incidents due to this are happening with increasing frequency.

In rural areas the cause can be a septic system that hasn"'"t had proper maintenance. Heavy rains and persistently saturated soil can also cause a private sewage system to back up or fail completely. Whether urban or rural; a foreign object blocking the line can have the same awful result. The resulting backflow of water and solids is a deadly health risk.

Buildings with high humidity levels, damp basements, large numbers of houseplants, damaged gutters that tend to back up or damaged shingles, are at greater risk for mold contamination. More urgent indicators are leaks and leak stains, brown, yellow, black, or greenish-black stains, rotting wood, dusty air, a musty odor, an odor of mildew, flaking wallpaper, peeling baseboard tape, and bulging or warped walls and ceilings.

If there was ever a time to call outside help, this is it! A company that specializes in sewage and drain back ups can safely clean up the mess and assess the underlying cause of the problem. Once the problem is identified, it can be rectified. There are many possible solutions, depending on where and what the problem is.

A back up of a sewage line can threaten the health of your family and also poses a threat to the environment. Inhaling the fumes alone can pose a health hazard. The contamination can destroy nearby plant and animal life also.

Raw sewage carries with it infectious bacteria, viruses, toxic chemicals, and parasites. Clean up is a dangerous proposition without the proper equipment and safeguards. As with any type of water damage; the water seeps into and behind the tiniest opening. Water can lie inside walls and other inaccessible areas. Using a professional sewage and drain back up service will allow the clean up to be as safe and efficient as possible.

Most professional services offer 24 hour emergency service. Experienced clean up technicians will be able to quickly assess the situation and make you aware of what your options are. If the back up is due to a problem that needs repaired, they will be able to make the necessary repairs to prevent another occurrence. If the problem was caused by inadequate city sewage systems you will have documentation for reimbursement.

A professional service is your best and safest bet. You can minimize your losses and protect your family to the fullest extent possible. You may even be able to avoid another incident like this one!