A restaurant counts on a variety of factors to keep everything running smoothly, from the cooks in the kitchen to the servers to the bartenders. One very important part of the restaurant operations that may easily be overlooked is the sewer system. Not exactly the most “appetizing” thing to think about in a restaurant, but if there is a sewer backup in your restaurant, it can cause huge problems for you, your staff, and your customers.
Every restaurant needs a properly operating sewage system in order to stay in business. If there is a sewage backup in your equipment or plumbing system, it’s important to act fast as a sewer backup can create an imminent hazard that poses a danger to the health of employees and customers.
What constitutes a sewage backup?
Your restaurant most likely has a sewage backup if you are experiencing any of the following issues:
- standing water/sewage in drains
- restrooms toilets that won’t flush or have sewage overflowing
- wastewater from sinks or the dishwasher is not draining properly, or is spilling on to the floor
- the grease trap is not properly functioning
Restaurants in particular are very susceptible to clogged pipes as a result of grease and food scraps being scraped down the drain and into your pipes. This can lead to buildup in the pipes over time and, if not properly treated, a clog.
How does a sewage backup pose a food safety issue?
If there is sewage water in your restaurant, it could easily cause food contamination. That’s because sewage contains contaminants, which may include foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, norovirus, hepatitis A, and Shigella. Sewage water may also include parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, chemicals, and toxins. If employees are exposed to any of these contaminants, it could not only sicken your workers, they may also accidentally contaminate your food, which could also result in your customers falling ill.
Prevent Sewage Backups at Your Restaurant
One way to help keep a sewage backup from interfering with your restaurant’s operations is through regular sewer line cleaning. If your sewer pipes haven’t been cleaned in a while, or you are experiencing issues such as slow-draining sinks or toilets, give EcoClean a call. Our expert sewer technicians will inspect your pipes, clean out any obstructions preventing water from flowing normally, and if necessary, perform sewer line repairs.
