### Sewage Backup Causes
Sewage backup is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to your home and health. It’s important to understand the causes of sewage backup so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening.
**Common causes of sewage backup include:**
* **Clogged drains:** Grease, hair, and other debris can build up in your drains and cause them to become clogged. This can prevent wastewater from flowing properly and lead to a backup.
* **Collapsed sewer lines:** Sewer lines can collapse due to old age, improper installation, or damage from tree roots. This can also cause wastewater to back up into your home.
* **Overwhelmed sewer systems:** During heavy rains or flooding, sewer systems can become overwhelmed and unable to handle the increased flow of wastewater. This can also lead to a backup.
* **Defective sump pumps:** Sump pumps are designed to remove water from your basement or crawl space. If your sump pump fails, it can lead to flooding and sewage backup.
### Effects of Sewage Backup
Sewage backup can have a number of serious effects, including:
* **Property damage:** Sewage backup can cause extensive damage to your home, including flooding, mold growth, and structural damage.
* **Health hazards:** Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses, including gastrointestinal problems, skin infections, and respiratory problems.
* **Financial burden:** Sewage backup can be a costly problem to fix. You may need to pay for repairs to your home, as well as for the cost of sewage cleanup and restoration.
### How Does Sewage Backup Happen?
Sewage backup occurs when wastewater flows back into your home through your drains or toilets. This can happen for a number of reasons, including:
* **Clogged drains:** Grease, hair, and other debris can build up in your drains and cause them to become clogged. This can prevent wastewater from flowing properly and lead to a backup.
* **Collapsed sewer lines:** Sewer lines can collapse due to old age, improper installation, or damage from tree roots. This can also cause wastewater to back up into your home.
* **Overwhelmed sewer systems:** During heavy rains or flooding, sewer systems can become overwhelmed and unable to handle the increased flow of wastewater. This can also lead to a backup.
* **Defective sump pumps:** Sump pumps are designed to remove water from your basement or crawl space. If your sump pump fails, it can lead to flooding and sewage backup.
### Sewage Cleanup Service
If you experience a sewage backup, it’s important to call a professional sewage cleanup service right away. These companies have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively clean up sewage and restore your home to its original condition.