What Causes Sewage Backups And What Are the Effects of It

What is a Sewage Cleanup Service?

A sewage cleanup service is a professional service that specializes in cleaning up sewage backups and spills. These services are typically called upon when a sewage line breaks or becomes clogged, causing sewage to back up into a home or business. Sewage cleanup services can also be used to clean up sewage spills that occur on public property, such as in streets or parks.

Causes of Sewage Backups

There are many different things that can cause a sewage backup. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Clogs: Sewage backups can be caused by clogs in the sewage line. These clogs can be caused by a variety of things, such as tree roots, grease, and debris.
  • Broken pipes: Sewage backups can also be caused by broken pipes. Broken pipes can occur due to age, corrosion, or damage from construction or excavation work.
  • Overwhelmed sewage systems: During heavy rains, sewage systems can become overwhelmed. This can cause sewage to back up into homes and businesses.

Effects of Sewage Backups

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

  • Property damage: Sewage backups can cause significant property damage. Sewage can damage floors, walls, furniture, and other belongings.
  • Health hazards: Sewage contains bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can cause illness. Sewage backups can expose people to these microorganisms, which can lead to a variety of health problems, such as gastrointestinal problems, skin infections, and respiratory problems.
  • Environmental damage: Sewage backups can also damage the environment. Sewage can contaminate water supplies and soil, and it can also attract pests.

How Does Sewage Backup Happen?

Sewage backups happen when the flow of sewage is blocked or slowed down. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Clogs: Clogs are the most common cause of sewage backups. Clogs can be caused by a variety of things, such as grease, hair, and debris.
  • Tree roots: Tree roots can also cause sewage backups. Tree roots can grow into sewage pipes and block the flow of sewage.
  • Broken pipes: Broken pipes can also cause sewage backups. Broken pipes can occur due to age, corrosion, or damage from construction or excavation work.
  • Overwhelmed sewage systems: During heavy rains, sewage systems can become overwhelmed. This can cause sewage to back up into homes and businesses.

What to Do If You Have a Sewage Backup

If you have a sewage backup, it is important to take action immediately. The first step is to call a sewage cleanup service. A sewage cleanup service will be able to clean up the sewage and identify the cause of the backup. Once the cause of the backup has been identified, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again.