Experiencing a sewage backup in your home can be a distressing and unsanitary situation. Identifying the underlying causes and understanding the potential effects are crucial to addressing the issue effectively and ensuring the safety of your household.

Why is Sewer Backing Up in House?

• Clogged Drain Lines: Accumulated debris, grease, or other foreign objects can obstruct the flow of sewage through drains, causing blockages and resulting in backups.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can penetrate sewer lines, causing damage and creating obstructions that hinder the flow of sewage.
• Broken Sewer Lines: Cracks or breaks in sewer pipes due to age, shifting soil, or external damage can allow sewage to leak into the surrounding soil or back up into your home.
• Overwhelmed Sewer System: During heavy rainfall or flooding, the sewer system can become overloaded, leading to backups and wastewater overflowing into homes and streets.

Effects of Sewage Backup

• Health Hazards: Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can pose significant health risks through direct contact or airborne transmission.
• Structural Damage: Prolonged sewage exposure can weaken building materials and cause significant damage to floors, walls, and foundations.
• Property Loss: Valuable possessions and belongings can become contaminated or destroyed by sewage, resulting in costly financial losses.
• Environmental Contamination: Sewage backups can pollute nearby waterways, soil, and groundwater, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.

Responding to a Sewage Backup

• Safety First: Avoid direct contact with sewage. Wear gloves, protective clothing, and a mask to prevent exposure to contaminants.
• Contact a Sewage Cleanup Service: Seek professional assistance from a reputable sewage cleanup service to safely and effectively remove sewage and restore your home to a sanitary condition.
• Preventative Measures: Regularly clean drains, avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet, and have trees inspected for potential root infiltration to minimize the risk of future backups.