Understanding Sewage Backups
A sewage backup occurs when wastewater and sewage flow back into your home or business through drains, toilets, or other plumbing fixtures. This can be a serious and unsanitary problem that can cause significant damage to your property.
Causes of Sewage Backups
- Blocked sewer lines: Tree roots, grease, and debris can accumulate in sewer lines, causing them to become blocked. As a result, wastewater cannot flow properly and backs up into your home.
- Damaged sewer lines: Sewer lines can become damaged by excavation, construction, or natural disasters. When this happens, wastewater can leak out of the line and back up into your property.
- Overwhelmed sewer systems: During heavy rains or snowmelt, the sewage system can become overwhelmed and unable to handle the increased flow of wastewater. This can lead to backups in homes and businesses that are connected to the system.
Effects of Sewage Backups
- Property damage: Sewage backups can cause extensive damage to your home or business. The contaminated water can damage walls, floors, furniture, and other belongings.
- Health hazards: Sewage backups can pose a serious health hazard. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other harmful contaminants that can cause illness if they come into contact with skin, eyes, or mouth.
- Fire hazards: In some cases, sewage backups can cause electrical fires. This can happen if the contaminated water comes into contact with electrical outlets or wiring.
Why Is Sewage Coming Up in My Shower?
One of the most common signs of a sewage backup is sewage coming up in the shower. This can happen for several reasons:
- Clogged drain: The drain in your shower may be clogged with hair, soap, or other debris. This can prevent water from flowing properly and cause it to back up into the shower.
- Damaged drainpipe: The drainpipe that carries wastewater from your shower to the sewer line may be damaged. This can allow wastewater to leak out of the pipe and back up into your shower.
- Overwhelmed sewer system: As mentioned earlier, during heavy rains or snowmelt, the sewage system can become overwhelmed and unable to handle the increased flow of wastewater. This can lead to backups in showers and other plumbing fixtures.
Sewage Cleanup Service
If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to call a professional sewage cleanup service. These services will have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively clean up the mess and prevent any further damage to your property.