Sewage Backup Causes and Effects
Unforeseen sewage backups can bring about unhygienic conditions, property damage, and health hazards. It’s crucial to understand the causes and effects of sewage backups to prevent and mitigate their detrimental impact.
Causes of Sewage Backups
- Clogged Drains: Grease, hair, and debris can accumulate in drains, obstructing water flow and causing backups.
- Tree Root Infiltration: Tree roots can penetrate sewer lines, breaking them or creating blockages.
- Damaged Sewer Lines: Corrosion, age, or improper installation can weaken sewer lines, leading to leaks and backups.
- Heavy Rainfall: Excessive rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems, causing overflows and backups.
Effects of Sewage Backups
- Health Hazards: Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections and skin rashes.
- Property Damage: Backed-up sewage can flood basements and crawl spaces, damaging furniture, electronics, and flooring.
- Unhygienic Conditions: The presence of sewage creates unpleasant odors and attracts pests, compromising indoor air quality.
Why is Sewer Backing Up in House?
Sewage backups in houses can be caused by various factors:
- Clogged Sewer Line: Accumulation of debris in the main sewer line outside the house can obstruct water flow and cause backups.
- Vent Stack Blockage: Vent stacks allow sewer gasses to escape and prevent pressure buildup in the system. Blockages in vent stacks can lead to backups.
- Defective Sump Pump: If a sump pump fails to remove excess water from a basement or crawl space, it can cause sewage backups.
- Septic Tank Issues: In homes with septic tanks, improper maintenance or malfunctioning septic systems can result in sewage backups.
Professional Sewage Cleanup Service
If a sewage backup occurs, it’s essential to call upon the expertise of a professional sewage cleanup service. Trained technicians can safely remove sewage, disinfect the affected area, and restore the property to its original condition.