A sewage backup can be devastating for a business. Not only can it destroy your inventory, but it can also damage your property and even force your business to shut down. And in this economic climate, if a sewer backup makes your business shut down even for just a few days, this can be enough to put you out of business altogether.
To reduce the chances of this happening at your business, let’s talk about some of the causes and signs of a sewer backup, as well as what you can do to prevent them.
What is a Sewer Backup?
When a sewer pipe becomes clogged or damaged, it can block the regular flow of the pipes. With nowhere to go, raw sewage then backs up until your building. And as you can imagine, this can cause incredible damage.
Is Your Business at Risk of a Sewer Backup?
Your business could be at risk of sewer back up if:
- Toilets are gurgling after flushing or are difficult to flush
- You, your employees, or your customers have noticed sewer line-related odours (including sulphur)
- Plumbing fixtures are clogged or drain slowly
Common Causes of Sewer Backups in Businesses
If you’ve started noticing some of the signs of a sewer backup, you might be wondering what caused it in the first place.
Here are some of the common causes of sewer backups in commercial properties:
- Soil settlement in and around the property
- Cracked pipes, including damage from tree roots
- Grease build-up
- Inadequate cleaning and maintenance (this is particularly common in high-traffic businesses)
Avoiding Sewer Backups
First things first: make sure your business’ sewer and plumbing systems are inspected at least once a year!
You’ll also want to consider using a water pressure reducing valve to limit an unnecessary stress on your property’s system. Make sure there’s clear signage in all of the bathrooms in your business that make it clear what can and cannot be flushed.
Do you have all your bases covered when it comes to risks and potential damages to your business? Be sure to check your commercial insurance policy to make sure you’re covered for any unexpected things that can happen at your business. Give us a call today to learn more.