Sewage Backup Causes Effects and Prevention
Introduction
Sewage backups occur when wastewater from sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures backs up into a home or business. This can be a major inconvenience and health hazard, as sewage water contains bacteria and other contaminants that can make people sick. If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to call a professional sewage cleanup service like
us to have it cleaned up and the cause of the backup identified.
Causes of Sewage Backups
There are a number of things that can cause a sewage backup, including:
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Clogs in the sewer line
- These clogs can be caused by a variety of materials, such as grease, hair, and food scraps.
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Tree roots
- Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and block them.
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Collapsed sewer lines
- Sewer lines can collapse due to age, corrosion, or other factors.
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Heavy rain
- Heavy rain can overwhelm the sewer system and cause sewage to back up into homes and businesses.
Effects of Sewage Backups
Sewage backups can have a number of negative effects, including:
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Damage to property
- Sewage water can damage carpets, furniture, and other belongings. It can also cause mold and mildew to grow, which can damage the structure of your home or business.
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Health hazards
- Sewage water contains bacteria and other contaminants that can make people sick. These contaminants can cause a variety of health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and respiratory problems.
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Inconvenience
- Sewage backups can be a major inconvenience, as they can make it difficult to use your home or business. You may have to evacuate your home or business and find somewhere else to stay until the backup is cleaned up.
Why is Sewer Backing Up in House?
There are a few reasons why sewer water might back up into your house.
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Clogged drain
- The most common cause of a sewer backup is a clogged drain. This can be caused by a variety of materials, such as hair, soap scum, and food scraps.
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Tree roots
- Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and block them. This is especially common in older homes that have been built near trees.
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Collapsed sewer line
- A collapsed sewer line can also cause sewage to back up into your house. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as age, corrosion, or damage from construction.
How to Prevent Sewage Backups
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent sewage backups, including:
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Be careful what you flush down the toilet
- Do not flush items such as wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products down the toilet. These items can clog sewer lines and cause backups.
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Dispose of grease properly
- Do not pour grease down the drain. Grease can solidify and clog sewer lines. Instead, dispose of grease in a sealed container.
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Have your sewer line inspected regularly
- A professional plumber can inspect your sewer line and identify any potential problems. They can also clean your sewer line and remove any clogs.
Conclusion
Sewage backups can be a major inconvenience and health hazard. By following the tips above, you can help prevent sewage backups and protect your home or business from damage. If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to call a professional sewage cleanup service to have it cleaned up and the cause of the backup identified.