Sewage backup is a serious problem that can cause major damage to your home and health. It’s important to know the causes and effects of sewage backup so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening.
### Causes of Sewage Backup
There are a number of things that can cause sewage backup, including:
– **Clogged drains:** The most common cause of sewage backup is clogged drains. Hair, grease, and other debris can build up in your drains over time, causing them to become blocked. When this happens, sewage can’t flow out of your home and it can start to back up into your drains.
– **Tree roots:** Tree roots can also cause sewage backup. As trees grow, their roots can spread into your sewer lines and block them. This can prevent sewage from flowing out of your home and cause it to back up.
– **Broken sewer lines:** Broken sewer lines can also cause sewage backup. Sewer lines can break due to a number of reasons, including age, corrosion, and damage. When a sewer line breaks, it can allow sewage to leak out and back up into your home.
– **Frozen pipes:** Frozen pipes can also cause sewage backup. If the pipes in your home freeze, they can expand and block the flow of sewage. This can cause sewage to back up into your drains.
### Effects of Sewage Backup
Sewage backup can have a number of negative effects, including:
– **Property damage:** Sewage backup can damage your home’s floors, walls, and ceilings. Sewage can also damage your furniture and other belongings. The repair costs of sewage backup can be significant.
– **Health risks:** Sewage backup can also pose a health risk. Sewage contains bacteria and other contaminants that can cause disease. If sewage backs up into your home, it’s important to clean it up immediately and to disinfect the area.
– **Insurance claims:** Sewage backup can also lead to insurance claims. If you have sewage backup, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
### Why is Sewer Backing Up in House?
There are a few reasons why sewer may be backing up in your house.
– **Clogs:** The most common cause of sewer backups is clogs. These can occur anywhere in the sewer line, from the main line to the individual drains in your home. Clogs can be caused by a variety of materials, including grease, hair, and tree roots.
– **Tree roots:** Tree roots can also cause sewer backups. As trees grow, their roots can spread into the sewer line and block the flow of sewage. This can cause the sewage to back up into your home.
– **Broken or damaged sewer line:** A broken or damaged sewer line can also cause sewage to back up into your home. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, corrosion, or damage from construction or excavation.
### How to Prevent Sewage Backup
There are a number of things you can do to prevent sewage backup, including:
– **Keep your drains clean:** One of the best ways to prevent sewage backup is to keep your drains clean. This means regularly removing hair, grease, and other debris from your drains. You can do this by using a drain cleaner or by pouring a pot of boiling water down your drains.
– **Trim tree roots:** If you have trees near your home, it’s important to trim their roots regularly. This will help to prevent them from growing into your sewer line and causing a blockage.
– **Get your sewer line inspected regularly:** Having your sewer line inspected regularly can help to identify and fix any potential problems before they cause a backup. A sewer line inspection can be done by a licensed plumber.
### What to Do if You Have a Sewage Backup
If you have a sewage backup, it’s important to take action immediately. The first step is to turn off the water supply to your home. This will help to prevent the sewage from backing up further. Once you have turned off the water supply, you can call a licensed plumber to come and fix the problem.
### Sewage Cleanup Service
If you have a sewage backup, it’s important to call a professional sewage cleanup service. A sewage cleanup service will be able to safely and effectively clean up the sewage and disinfect the area. A sewage cleanup service will also be able to help you prevent future sewage backups.