Ghosts, zombies, bats and vampires! In October, all things frightening are bound to appear before month’s end.
But there’s something scarier than Edgar Allen Poe read around the campfire.
Something more chilling than your favorite horror movie. Something guaranteed to strike fear in the bravest of hearts…
The hulking marauder that cares for no-one. That smelly destroyer from deep below:
The Backed Up Sewer! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Calm your racing heart. Fighting this beast is in our wheelhouse.
What causes a backup?
A sewer line gets clogged over many days or months. Think of your pipes as a potential Stephen King villain. If they get mistreated again and again, eventually you will receive epic payback.
Thankfully, your plumbing system will often warn you that something wicked your way comes: Your bathtub may be slow to drain, your sink drains could get sluggish and your toilet or sink could gurgle.
Worst of all, you could smell foul odors from a drain or appliance. Ick—time to get help!
Five things that can cause sewer line backup are:
- Roots
- Oil and grease
- Foods like eggshells
- Pumpkin seeds or pumpkin parts (beware!)
- Flushable wipes, sanitary supplies, paper towel
ROOTS: As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, thirsty tree roots can break into your pipes and grow tiny hair-like threads that ball up and clog your main line. It’s best to get the roots cleaned out of your system at least once a year by a company like Garvin’s.
FOOD: Your kitchen garbage disposal should only be used to get rid of bits of leftover food when rinsing dishes. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not good to put eggshells down your disposal. Of course, never pour oil or grease down your sink drain. Coffee grounds and rice cause problems too, and even at Halloween, seeds, pumpkin guts, gourd and squash skins are a no-no. Put all of these in the trash, not through your pipes.
This includes the health smoothie your spouse makes you every morning! You hate it; you want to pour it down the shower drain in secret. But, it may contain pumpkin or carrots and all sorts of fiber. Trust us, it will COME UP AGAIN (true story) and create a plumbing disaster.
TRASH: In almost every restaurant bathroom, you see “be kind to our pipes, only flush toilet paper” signs. The same is true for your home. Don’t flush paper towel, sanitary products, wipes, toys, loser Halloween candy, or any trash besides human waste and toilet paper. No. Not even once!
What do you do during a backup?
Say that smoothie comes bubbling up in all its orange glory from the shower drain. Your toilet overflows in a disgusting tidal wave, or your basement drain backs up and foul water threatens your belongings.
What do you do?
- Don’t panic. You will get through this.
- DO NOT flush toilets or do laundry. Limit your water usage.
- Remove any valuables that are threatened by the backup. (In fact, keep these items off the basement floor/out from under the sink always.)
- Call Garvin’s Emergency Drain and Sewer Service.
- Contact your homeowners insurance to see if sewer line back-ups/clean ups are part of your policy, if you think that is needed. (We have a few referrals in mind for restoration, carpet/floor, drywall, etc. who we have vetted if you need them – just ask.)
Why call Garvin’s?
We are a third-generation, family-owned company with over 80 innovative years of service history! For eight decades, Garvin’s of Englewood and Denver has cared for people just like you who need an ally in an emergency.
We employ leading industry practices for drain cleaning. We use reliable products. Our service doesn’t hurt plants or wildlife or cause problems with metal or plastic plumbing. Our 30-member staff includes several of the best plumbers in the metro area. We’ve seen it all and know how to help. Contact us today.