Sewage backup is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to your home and your health. It is important to know the causes of sewage backup so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening.
### Causes of Sewage Backup
There are many different things that can cause sewage backup, including:
– **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into and block sewer lines. This is a common problem in areas with older sewer systems.
– **Grease:** Grease can build up in sewer lines and cause clogs. This is a common problem in restaurants and other businesses that use a lot of grease.
– **Flushable wipes:** Flushable wipes do not break down like toilet paper and can cause clogs in sewer lines.
– **Heavy rainfall:** Heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems and cause sewage backup. This is a common problem in areas with combined sewer systems, which carry both stormwater and sewage in the same pipes.
### Effects of Sewage Backup
Sewage backup can have a number of negative effects, including:
– **Property damage:** Sewage backup can cause extensive damage to your home, including flooding, mold, and structural damage.
– **Health hazards:** Sewage backup can pose a health hazard to you and your family. It can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal illness.
– **Insurance claims:** Sewage backup can be a costly problem to fix. You may have to file an insurance claim to cover the cost of repairs.
### How to Prevent Sewage Backup
There are a few things you can do to help prevent sewage backup, including:
– **Avoid putting grease down your drains.** Dispose of grease in a trash can or compost bin.
– **Do not flush flushable wipes down your toilet.** Flushable wipes do not break down like toilet paper and can cause clogs in sewer lines.
– **Have your sewer lines inspected regularly.** A professional plumber can inspect your sewer lines for blockages and other problems.
– **Install a backflow preventer.** A backflow preventer can help to prevent sewage from backing up into your home.
### If You Experience a Sewage Backup
If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to take steps to clean it up immediately.
1. **Call a professional sewage cleanup service.** A professional sewage cleanup service can safely and effectively clean up sewage backup.
2. **Ventilate your home.** Open windows and doors to ventilate your home and remove any sewage odors.
3. **Dispose of contaminated items.** Any items that have been contaminated by sewage should be disposed of immediately.
4. **Wash your hands thoroughly.** Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning up sewage backup.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent sewage backup and protect your home and your health.