Sewage Backup Causes and Effects

Why is sewage coming up in my shower?

When sewage backs up, it can cause a number of problems, including:
  • Flooding: Sewage backups can cause water to flood your home, damaging your floors, walls, and belongings.
  • Health hazards: Sewage contains bacteria and viruses that can cause illness if they come into contact with your skin or eyes.
  • Unpleasant odors: Sewage backups can cause your home to smell bad, making it difficult to live in.
  • Property damage: Sewage can damage your home's foundation, walls, and floors, leading to costly repairs.

What causes sewage backups?

There are a number of things that can cause sewage backups, including:
  • Clogged drains: Grease, hair, and other debris can build up in your drains and cause them to become clogged, leading to a sewage backup.
  • Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and cause them to become blocked, leading to a sewage backup.
  • Damaged sewer lines: Sewer lines can become damaged by shifting soil, earthquakes, or construction, leading to a sewage backup.
  • Heavy rainfall: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm your local sewer system, causing sewage backups in your home.

What should I do if I have a sewage backup?

If you have a sewage backup, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. The following steps can help:
  • Call a Sewage Cleanup Service: A professional Sewage Cleanup Service can safely and effectively clean up your sewage backup and prevent further damage to your home.
  • Turn off the water supply: If you can safely do so, turn off the water supply to your home. This will help to stop the flow of sewage into your home.
  • Open windows and doors: Open windows and doors to ventilate your home and help to remove the smell of sewage.
  • Wear protective clothing: If you must come into contact with sewage, wear protective clothing, including gloves, a mask, and goggles.
  • Do not use your appliances: Do not use any appliances that are connected to your water supply, such as your toilet, sink, or washing machine. This will help to prevent further sewage from backing up into your home.

How can I prevent sewage backups?

The following tips can help you prevent sewage backups:
  • Do not pour grease down your drains: Grease can build up in your drains and cause them to become clogged.
  • Do not flush non-biodegradable items down your toilet: Non-biodegradable items, such as feminine hygiene products and diapers, can clog your sewer line.
  • Have your sewer lines inspected regularly: A professional can inspect your sewer lines and identify any potential problems that could lead to a sewage backup.
  • Install a backflow preventer: A backflow preventer can help to prevent sewage from backing up into your home from the main sewer line.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent sewage backups and protect your home from damage.