Sewage Backup Causes and Effects

Sewage backups can have devastating effects on your home and property. They can cause extensive damage to building materials, furnishings, and personal belongings, and they can also create health hazards for you and your family.

Causes of Sewage Backups

• Clogged drains: Grease, hair, and other debris can build up in drains and cause them to become clogged. This can lead to water backing up into the sewage system and causing a backup.
• Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and cause blockages. This is especially common in older homes with clay or cast-iron sewer lines.
• Broken pipes: Sewer pipes can break due to age, corrosion, or damage from construction projects. This can also lead to sewage backups.
• Heavy rainfall: Heavy rainfall can overload the sewage system and cause sewage backups. This is especially common in areas with older or poorly maintained sewer systems.
• Defective sump pumps: Sump pumps can help to prevent sewage backups by pumping water out of basements and other low-lying areas. If a sump pump fails, it can lead to sewage backing up into the home.

How does sewage backup happen?

Sewage backup occurs when there is a blockage in the sewer line that prevents wastewater from flowing out of your home or business. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and cause blockages. This is especially common in older homes with clay or cast-iron sewer lines.
• Grease and debris: Grease, hair, and other debris can build up in drains and cause them to become clogged. This can lead to water backing up into the sewage system and causing a backup.
• Broken pipes: Sewer pipes can break due to age, corrosion, or damage from construction projects. This can also lead to sewage backups.
• Heavy rainfall: Heavy rainfall can overload the sewage system and cause sewage backups. This is especially common in areas with older or poorly maintained sewer systems.
• Defective sump pumps: Sump pumps can help to prevent sewage backups by pumping water out of basements and other low-lying areas. If a sump pump fails, it can lead to sewage backing up into the home.

Effects of Sewage Backups

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

• Damage to property: Sewage backups can cause extensive damage to building materials, furnishings, and personal belongings. They can also lead to mold and mildew growth, which can further damage your home and belongings.
• Health hazards: Sewage backups can create health hazards for you and your family. Sewage contains bacteria and other contaminants that can cause illness. If you come into contact with sewage, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of illness.
• Emotional distress: Sewage backups can be a very stressful experience. They can disrupt your life and cause you to lose valuable belongings. They can also make you feel unsafe in your own home.
• Financial losses: Sewage backups can lead to significant financial losses. You may have to pay for repairs to your home and belongings, as well as medical expenses if you or a family member becomes ill.

If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to call a professional sewage cleanup service right away. Sewage cleanup professionals have the training and experience to safely and effectively clean up sewage backups and prevent further damage.