Dealing with Sewer Backups in Kansas City: Protect Your Home and Health

2/11/2025 (Permalink)

A sewer backup is a messy and stressful situation for any homeowner. Beyond the immediate inconvenience, it poses significant health risks due to the contaminants present in sewage. Understanding the common causes of sewer backups in Kansas City and why professional cleanup is essential is crucial for protecting your family and your property.

What Causes Sewer Backups in Kansas City?

Several factors can contribute to sewer backups in our area:

• Tree Roots: Seeking moisture and nutrients, tree roots can infiltrate sewer pipes, causing blockages and backups. This is a common issue in many Kansas City neighborhoods.
• Aging Infrastructure: Older sewer systems can deteriorate over time, leading to cracks, leaks, and collapses. These issues restrict flow and increase the likelihood of backups.
• Heavy Rainfall: Kansas City's weather can be unpredictable. Heavy downpours can overwhelm the sewer system, especially combined systems where sewage and stormwater share the same pipes, leading to backups into homes.
• Flushing Improper Items: Flushing anything other than toilet paper can cause clogs. This includes items like wipes, diapers, paper towels, and even "flushable" wipes, which often don't break down properly. Grease buildup from cooking can also contribute to blockages.
• Blockages in the Main Sewer Line: Problems with the city's main sewer line can also cause backups in individual homes.

Why Professional Cleanup is Essential

Cleaning up a sewer backup is not a DIY job. Sewage contains a host of harmful contaminants, including bacteria (like E. coli and salmonella), viruses (like norovirus and hepatitis A), parasites, and mold. Exposure to these pathogens can cause serious illnesses, including gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, and skin issues.

Professional cleanup is crucial for several reasons:

• Safety: Professionals have the training, protective equipment (including respirators and specialized suits), and experience to handle sewage contamination safely. They understand how to minimize exposure to harmful pathogens.
• Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection: Simply removing the visible sewage isn't enough. Professionals use powerful disinfectants and specialized cleaning techniques to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, ensuring the affected area is truly sanitized.
• Mold Prevention: Sewage backups create a perfect environment for mold growth. Professionals use specialized drying equipment and techniques to remove moisture and prevent mold from developing, which can lead to further health problems and structural damage.
• Proper Disposal: Contaminated materials must be disposed of properly according to local regulations. Professionals are familiar with these regulations and will handle disposal safely and legally.

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown: Your Trusted Partner

SERVPRO of Kansas City Midtown understands the complexities and dangers of sewer backups. Our team of highly trained professionals is equipped to handle every aspect of the cleanup and restoration process. We will:

• Assess the Damage: We'll thoroughly inspect the affected area to determine the extent of the damage and identify the source of the backup.
• Contain the Contamination: We'll isolate the affected area to prevent the spread of contamination to other parts of your home.
• Remove the Sewage and Contaminated Materials: We'll use specialized equipment to safely remove all sewage and contaminated materials.
• Clean and Disinfect: We'll thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected area using EPA-approved antimicrobial agents.
• Dry and Dehumidify: We'll use professional-grade drying equipment to remove moisture and prevent mold growth.
• Restore Your Property: We'll restore your property to its preloss condition, including repairing or replacing damaged materials.

If you experience a sewer backup in Kansas City, contact SERVPRO® of Kansas City Midtown immediately. We're here to help you through this difficult situation and restore your property to a safe and healthy environment.