Causes and Effects of Sewage Backups

Sewage backups are a serious problem that can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks to your family. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Clogged drains
• Tree roots
• Damaged sewer lines
• Pump failures

How does sewage backup happen?

Sewage backups occur when wastewater from your home’s drains cannot flow properly through the sewer lines and backs up into the house. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Clogged drains: The most common cause of sewage backups is clogged drains. Grease, hair, and other debris can build up in drains over time, causing them to become blocked. When a drain is clogged, wastewater can’t flow through it and instead backs up into the house.
• Tree roots: Tree roots can also cause sewage backups by growing into sewer lines and blocking them. This is a common problem in areas with older trees.
• Damaged sewer lines: Damaged sewer lines can also cause sewage backups. The damage can be caused by a number of factors, including construction, earthquakes, and tree roots.
• Pump failures: Sump pumps and other sewage pumps can fail, causing sewage to back up into the house.

Effects of sewage backups

Sewage backups can have a number of serious effects, including:

• Property damage: Sewage water can damage your home’s floors, walls, and furniture. It can also leave behind a foul odor that can be difficult to remove.
• Health risks: Sewage water contains bacteria and other contaminants that can cause illness. If you come into contact with sewage water, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
• Emotional distress: Sewage backups can be a stressful and traumatic experience. They can cause you to feel anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed.

How to prevent sewage backups

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent sewage backups, including:

• Don’t put grease, hair, or other debris down your drains.
• Have your drains cleaned regularly by a professional plumber.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your sewer lines.
• Have your sewer lines inspected regularly for damage.
• Install a sump pump and a sewage ejector pump to help prevent sewage backups in the event of a power outage or other emergency.

If you experience a sewage backup, it’s important to call a professional Sewage Cleanup Service immediately. They will be able to safely remove the sewage water and clean and disinfect your home.