Discovering a sewer leak in your home or business is a stressful and unpleasant experience. The sight of sewage, the foul odors, and the potential for property damage can be overwhelming.
However, what you do in the first few moments after noticing a sewer leak is critical. Taking the right steps immediately can help mitigate damage, protect your health, and ensure the situation is resolved as safely and efficiently as possible.
Here is your essential action plan from N.W. Sewer & Drain experts for what to do the moment you notice any type of sewer leak in your home or business.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
Your first and most important priority is the health and safety of everyone in the building. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that can pose a serious health risk.
- Evacuate the Area: Immediately move people, especially children and pets, away from the affected area.
- Avoid Contact: Do not touch or walk through the sewage. Contaminated footwear can spread bacteria throughout the property.
- Open Windows and Doors: If possible, open windows and doors to ventilate the area and help dissipate harmful fumes and odors.
- Turn Off Utilities: If the leak is near any electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power to the affected area at the main breaker. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
Step 2: Stop the Source
Once the area is safe, your next goal is to stop the flow of water and sewage to prevent further damage.
- Turn Off the Main Water Valve: Locate your home or business’s main water shut-off valve and turn it off. This will stop the flow of fresh water, which in turn will stop more wastewater from entering your sewer system.
- Do Not Use Plumbing Fixtures: Avoid flushing toilets, running faucets, or using washing machines and dishwashers. Any use of these fixtures will only add more water and waste to your damaged sewer line, exacerbating the problem.
Step 3: Assess and Document the Damage
While you should not attempt to clean up the mess yourself, it is helpful to document the situation for your own records and for insurance purposes.
- Take Photos or Videos: Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the affected area, including the source of the leak (if visible), the extent of the water and sewage damage, and any affected property.
- Note the Time and Location: Write down the exact time you noticed the leak and a detailed description of its location. This information will be useful when you call a professional plumber.
Step 4: Call the Professionals Immediately
This is not a DIY job. A sewer leak requires the expertise of licensed plumbing professionals who have the right equipment and knowledge to handle the problem safely and effectively.
- Call N.W. Sewer & Drain: Contact us immediately at 206-931-7728. We have experienced technicians who are trained to handle sewer emergencies with urgency. We’ll dispatch a team to your location to accurately diagnose the problem and provide the right solution.
- Explain the Situation: When you call, describe what you’ve observed, where the leak is located, and the steps you’ve already taken. This will help us prepare for the service call.
- Ask About Our Process: We will explain how we will diagnose the leak, including the use of video camera inspections, and what our repair or replacement options are.
Step 5: Begin the Cleanup (With Caution)
After the professionals have arrived and secured the area, they will guide you on the next steps for cleanup. In many cases, a professional restoration company will be needed to handle the proper sanitization and removal of contaminated materials.
- Do Not Attempt to Clean with Regular Cleaners: Household cleaners are not strong enough to properly sanitize areas contaminated with raw sewage.
- Consult a Restoration Expert: We can recommend professional restoration companies we’ve worked with that specialize in safely and effectively cleaning and restoring areas affected by sewage.
A sewer leak is a serious plumbing emergency. Your best course of action is to prioritize safety, stop the source of the leak, and call a qualified professional immediately. At N.W. Sewer & Drain, we are here to provide fast, reliable, and safe solutions to get your home or business back to normal. Don’t wait. Contact N.W. Sewer & Drain immediately if you notice a leak in your home or business.
