What Causes Sewage Backups and How to Prevent Them

Sewage backups are a common problem that can cause significant damage to your home and property. They can also pose a health hazard, as sewage contains bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick.

Causes of Sewage Backups

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

  • Clogged drains: Grease, hair, and other objects can build up in your drains and cause them to become clogged. When this happens, sewage can back up into your home.
  • Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into your sewer lines and cause them to become blocked.
  • Collapsed sewer lines: Sewer lines can collapse due to age, corrosion, or other factors. This can cause sewage to back up into your home.
  • Heavy rains: Heavy rains can overwhelm your sewer system and cause sewage to back up into your home.
  • Improperly installed or maintained septic tanks: Septic tanks need to be properly installed and maintained in order to function properly. If they are not, sewage can back up into your home.

Effects of Sewage Backups

Sewage backups can cause a variety of problems, including:

  • Property damage: Sewage backups can cause significant damage to your home and property. They can damage your floors, walls, and ceilings. They can also damage your furniture and appliances.
  • Health hazards: Sewage contains bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick. If you are exposed to sewage, you may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation.

Why is sewage coming up in my shower?

There are several reasons why sewage may be coming up in your shower. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Clogged drain: The drain in your shower may be clogged with hair, soap scum, or other objects. This can cause sewage to back up into your shower.
  • Collapsed sewer line: The sewer line that leads from your shower to the main sewer line may have collapsed. This can cause sewage to back up into your shower.
  • Heavy rains: Heavy rains can overwhelm your sewer system and cause sewage to back up into your shower.
  • Improperly installed or maintained septic tank: If your home is on a septic tank, the septic tank may not be properly installed or maintained. This can cause sewage to back up into your shower.

How to Prevent Sewage Backups

There are a number of things you can do to prevent sewage backups, including:

  • Keep your drains clean: Regularly clean your drains to prevent them from becoming clogged. You can use a drain cleaner or a plunger to clean your drains.
  • Trim tree roots: Regularly trim the roots of trees that are near your sewer lines. This will help to prevent the roots from growing into your sewer lines and causing a blockage.
  • Have your sewer lines inspected: Regularly have your sewer lines inspected by a qualified plumber. This will help to identify any potential problems before they cause a sewage backup.
  • Install a backflow preventer: A backflow preventer is a device that can be installed on your sewer line to prevent sewage from backing up into your home.

What to Do If You Have a Sewage Backup

If you have a sewage backup, it is important to take action immediately. The following steps will help you to clean up the mess and prevent further damage:

  • Call a plumber: Call a qualified plumber to clean up the sewage backup and repair the cause of the problem.
  • Clean up the mess: Clean up the sewage backup using a bleach solution. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up the mess.
  • Prevent further damage: Take steps to prevent further damage to your home and property. This may include turning off the water supply to your home and removing any damaged items.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent sewage backups and protect your home and property from damage.