Sewage backups are gross, smell terrible and are super messy! But have you ever wondered how they happen? 

What Is a Sewage Backup?

A sewage backup happens when dirty water that should go down your drains (ie: flushing toilet water) but instead comes right back up into your sinks (including the one in the kitchen), toilets or bathtubs. We have even seen sewage come up the drain pipe of a washing machine. Yuck! 

Why Do Backups Happen?

Here are some of the most common reasons for sewage backup:

1. Clogged Pipes 

The number one culprit is from flushing things that don’t belong in the toilet. This ranges from wipes (we know a lot of them say you can flush them. DON’T DO THAT!), paper towels, feminine products, crayons or toys. All items that should not be flushed (unless you just want a large plumbing bill that could be prevented). When the pipes get too full the water has to go somewhere, so it comes back up! This is a great reason to make sure you stay and watch the toilet completely flush before leaving the bathroom.

2. Tree Roots in the Pipes 

Those darned ole tree roots just love to find any tiny little crack in the underground pipes. They take over the pipes and grow inside which causes blockages. As you can imagine, this is very invasive and will cause water as well as waste to back up into your home.

3. Heavy Rain & Flooding 

When there is heavy rain, often time the city’s sewer system can get too full too quickly. If their system can’t handle all the water, unfortunately sewage can flow back into your home. We’ve seen this a lot in older homes.

4. Broken or Old Pipes 

Pipes are like people. Over time we all just get a little worn out. The pipe in your home can crack or collapse the older it gets. If a pipe is broken the water with waste can clog up and won’t flow out like it should. This can definitely cause a sewage backup.

5. Blocked Sewer Line 

Unfortunately folks will wash grease down their sink or flush a lot of stuff they shouldn’t. Collectively this can clog your main sewer line in your neighborhood. If there is a blocked sewer line this will affect many houses in the neighborhood and send dirty wastewater back into homes (yes, not even just YOUR wastewater, Bill’s next door will come up into your house as well).

How to Prevent a Sewage Backup

• Only flush toilet paper—Remember: no wipes, paper towels or trash!
• Don’t pour grease down the sink— Your mother told you not to when you were growing up, so why start now? It will harden and clog your pipes.
• Schedule a licensed plumber to check your pipes every few years. Maintenance is key!
• Install a backwater valve—all the cool kids have one. This will stop sewage from flowing the wrong way (code for: inside your house)!

Why You Should Call First In Restoration

Sewage backups can be dangerous for multiple reasons but especially because they contain harmful bacteria and nasty germs. If a sewage backups happens in your home, don’t panic! Take a deep breath and call First In Restoration. We have the tools and experience to clean it up safely and restore your home fast. 

First In Restoration, is the #1 water damage restoration company in Georgia. Our IICRC-certified experts specialize in water damage cleanup, restoration and mold prevention (as well as remediation). We make sure your property is dry and beautiful before we leave. 

We also offer emergency plumbing services, so whether it’s a burst pipe, sewage backup or flooding, we can fix the problem at the source and begin the restoration process immediately. First In Restoration is available 24/7, we respond quickly to sewage backup and will minimize damage to prevent costly repairs. Don’t let water take over your home—call First In Restoration today!

Call us now at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com for expert help.

The first day of spring means so much more than warm weather and beautiful flowers—it’s also a time for you to prepare your property for the seasonal changes. With increased rainfall and shifting temperatures (and boy does it shift a lot in Georgia!), spring can be a prime season for water damage. That mean you need to be prepared.

What Do You Mean Spring Can Cause Water Damage? How Do I Avoid It?

Winter puts wear and tear on your home. Spring brings a lot of rain which can expose roof leaks. Also, you may have experienced a frozen pipe without you realizing it (until you turn your water back on to water your petunias). Early spring is the perfect time to inspect your home and address any water-related risks before they turn into expensive issues.

• One of the most common problems is clogged gutters. Over the fall and winter, leaves and debris build up if you don’t maintain your gutters. This prevents proper drainage. When the southern spring showers hit all of that excess water has nowhere to go so it will lead to roof leaks, basement flooding or even cracks in your foundation. 

• Another common springtime headache is water damage from plumbing problems. Georgia had a deep freeze in January. Freezing temperatures may have weakened your pipes which makes them way more vulnerable to leaks or pipe bursts. It’s always a good idea to have a professional inspect your exposed pipes. As a homeowner you, yourself can check for signs of water damage around appliances and keep an eye out for any slow leaks. This will help catch any issues before they turn major. You never want your water damage to linger because it will lead to mold growth or structural issues.
• Let’s not forget about the sump pump—the unsung hero of many Georgia basements and crawlspaces. If your sump pump isn’t working properly, these heavy Georgia spring rains could quickly turn your basement in to a Olympic-size swimming pool. Test your sump pump now to make sure that when the next Georgia storm rolls in, your home stays nice and dry.

Remember, as the seasons change in Georgia, a little bit of home maintenance can go a very long way in preventing water damage. But if you end up find yourself dealing with leaks, flooding or even mold, First In Restoration is here to help. First In Restoration specializes in water mitigation, mold removal and emergency water damage restoration services.

Welcome spring with a dry and damage-free home! But if water damage strikes, call First In Restoration at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com for expert restoration services. 

Water damage in your home can be a real headache, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Let’s break down the five most common types of water damage and how to deal with them. 

1. Burst or Leaking Pipes

Imagine waking up to a mini Niagara Falls in your kitchen. Burst or leaking pipes are often the culprits, especially during those unexpected Georgia cold snaps (we love fake spring but winter may be back next week). When water freezes, it expands, causing pipes to burst and unleash watery chaos.

How to Handle It:

• Shut Off the Water: Find your main water valve and turn it off to prevent further flooding.
• Call the Pros: Reach out to First In Restoration so we can assess and repair the damage.
• Prevent Future Bursts: Insulate your pipes, prior to the chilly months, to keep them cozy and intact when the harsh weather is here.

2. Roof Leaks

Rainy days in Georgia are great for cozying up with a book, but not so great when you discover a leaky roof. Missing shingles or clogged gutters can lead to water sneaking into your attic and beyond.

How to Handle It:

• Contain the Leak: Place buckets under the drip to catch the water.
• Fix the Roof: Hire a professional to repair any damage and replace missing shingles.
• Maintain Gutters: Regularly clean your gutters to ensure rainwater flows away from your home.
• Call First In Restoration if you have water leaking in to your home. 

3. Appliance Malfunctions

Ever had your washing machine decide to take a break and flood your laundry room? Appliance leaks are a very common cause of water damage. We don’t need water turning your home into an unexpected water park.

How to Handle It:

• Unplug the Appliance: Safety first! Disconnect the faulty machine. If you can’t reach it don’t risk it. Stay out of the area.
• Mop Up the Mess: Use towels or a mop to soak up standing water if it’s safe.
• Call First In Restoration: We can properly dry your home in to prevent water you can’t see with your naked eye.
• Schedule Repairs: Contact a repair technician to fix the appliance and prevent future mishaps.

4. Sewage Backups

Nobody wants to deal with a stinky situation, but sewage backups can happen, especially after heavy rains in Gwinnett County. This type of water damage is not only unpleasant but also a health hazard.

How to Handle It:

• Evacuate the Area: Keep everyone away from the contaminated zone.
• Call First In Restoration: Professional cleanup is a must to handle hazardous materials safely.
• Prevent Future Issues: Install backflow valves and avoid flushing inappropriate items (like feminine hygiene products, wipes or paper towels) down the toilet.

5. Natural Disasters

Living in Georgia means being prepared for the occasional storm or flood. Mother Nature can unleash her fury, leading to significant water damage in homes. We want you to stay safe no matter what.

How to Handle It:

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and heed any warnings.
• Elevate Valuables: Move important items to higher ground if flooding is anticipated.
• Have an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials like water, food and first-aid supplies to keep on hand.
• Call First In Restoration after experiencing an emergency and we will get your home dried in and restored to its original beauty.

Why Choose Us for Water Damage in Your Home?

At First In Restoration, we’re not just another restoration company—we’re your neighbors, dedicated to serving Loganville, Johns Creek, and the greater Gwinnett County area. With years of experience under our belts, we’ve seen it all and fixed it all (we have the photos and the customer testimonials to prove it). Our team is equipped with the latest tools and expertise to handle any water damage situation, no matter if they are big or small.

We proudly serve all of Georgia, focusing on the following counties:

• Gwinnett
• Walton
• Hall
• Barrow
• Clarke

When water woes strike, don’t stress—give First In Restoration a call (470.748.0225), and we’ll make your home sweet home dry and comfortable again.