What To Do About Bathtub Backup

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

The sight of water and/or sewage coming up from the drain of your bathtub or shower in Belton, MO, can be quite alarming. Bathtub backup is a serious problem, and while you should try to refrain from panicking, you should nevertheless take quick action to diagnose and correct the problem.

Why Does Bathtub Backup Occur?

Backup into the bathtub usually indicates a problem with the main sewer line of your home. Common causes include the following:

• Clogs due to paper products, grease buildup, toys, etc.
• Blockages due to tree roots
• Flooding due to excess rain
  

Can You Clean Up the Backup on Your Own?

Sometimes, but only under certain circumstances. It helps to know whether it is sewer backup or backup from the sink. If the latter, you may be able to handle the cleanup on your own because there is less chance of exposure to harmful bacteria.

If the backup occurred recently, i.e., within 24 hours of discovery, you may be able to handle the cleanup yourself. This is because any bacteria that may be present hasn't had time to proliferate.

If there is a good thing about bathtub backup, it is that the walls of the tub serve to contain the wastewater. This containment makes it more feasible for you to handle cleanup on your own.

When Should You Call a Professional?

You should call restoration and cleanup professionals if the backup contains raw sewage. This may be the case if it occurs when you flush the toilet, if it is brown in color, or if it is accompanied by a foul smell. Regardless of the source of the backup, you should call a cleanup professional if it is 24 hours old or more. While a bathtub may serve to contain the wastewater, backup in a shower stall may spread all over the bathroom floor and into the rest of the house. The more widespread the flooding is, the more necessary it becomes to hire professional cleanup.

Don't take chances with a potential sewer backup. If you have any doubts as to whether you can handle the cleanup yourself, contact a professional right away.