### What is a Sewage Backup? A sewage backup occurs when wastewater overflows from the sewer system and enters a home or building. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including: ### Causes of Sewage Backup - **Clogged drains:** Grease, hair, and other debris can accumulate in drains, causing them to become blocked and leading to a backup. - **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into sewer lines, causing damage and blockages. - **Damaged sewer lines:** Broken or cracked sewer lines can allow wastewater to leak out, resulting in a backup. - **Heavy rainfall:** Excessive rainfall can overwhelm the sewer system, leading to overflows and backups. - **Faulty sump pumps:** Sump pumps are designed to remove water from basements and crawlspaces. If a sump pump fails, water can accumulate and back up into the sewer system. ### Effects of Sewage Backup A sewage backup can have a number of negative consequences, including: - **Property damage:** Wastewater can damage carpets, furniture, and walls. It can also cause the growth of mold and mildew. - **Health hazards:** Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, and skin infections. - **Environmental concerns:** Sewage backups can contaminate groundwater and surface water, posing a risk to human health and the environment. - **Insurance claims:** Sewage backups can be costly to clean up and repair. They can also lead to insurance claims, which can result in increased premiums. ## What Happens When Sewer Backs Up in House? When sewer backs up in a house, it can cause a variety of problems, including: - **Flooding:** Sewage can flood the basement, crawl space, or other areas of the house. - **Odor:** Sewage backups can create a foul odor that can permeate the entire house. - **Health hazards:** Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, and skin infections. - **Property damage:** Sewage can damage carpets, furniture, and walls. It can also cause the growth of mold and mildew. ### Sewage Cleanup Service If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to call a professional Sewage Cleanup Service immediately. These services will: - **Remove the sewage:** A Sewage Cleanup Service will remove the sewage from your property using specialized equipment. - **Clean and disinfect the affected areas:** The service will clean and disinfect the affected areas to remove any harmful bacteria or viruses. - **Restore your property:** A Sewage Cleanup Service can help you restore your property to its pre-backup condition. This includes repairing any damage and replacing any contaminated items.