Sewage Cleanup Service Understanding Sewage Backup Causes and Effects

Causes

Intruding wastewater, commonly known as sewage backup, can originate from various sources within a property’s plumbing system or external municipal sewer lines.

• Blockages: Obstructions like grease, hair, or foreign objects can restrict the flow of wastewater, leading to backup.
• Tree Root Intrusion: Tree roots can penetrate and damage underground sewer pipes, causing blockages or cracks.
• Aging Infrastructure: Deteriorated pipes due to age or corrosion can weaken and collapse, resulting in leaks and backups.
• Heavy Rainfall: Excessive precipitation can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, causing sewage to back up into homes and businesses.
• Sump Pump Malfunction: Inoperative sump pumps can fail to remove excess water from basements or crawlspaces, leading to sewage backup.

Effects

Sewage backup poses significant health and environmental hazards, demanding prompt attention and remediation.

• Health Risks: Exposure to raw sewage can transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites, causing illnesses like gastrointestinal distress, skin infections, and respiratory problems.
• Property Damage: Sewage backup can damage floors, walls, furniture, and appliances, resulting in costly repairs.
• Environmental Contamination: Raw sewage released into the environment can pollute groundwater, streams, and lakes, harming aquatic life and ecosystems.
• Odors: Sewage backups emit foul odors, creating an unpleasant and unhealthy living environment.
• Insurance Claims: Untreated sewage backups can result in insurance claims, increasing insurance premiums or even policy cancellation.

How Does Sewage Backup Happen?

Sewage backup can occur when the flow of wastewater is obstructed, allowing it to regurgitate through drains and fixtures.

• Drain Blockages: Grease, hair, or other debris can gradually accumulate in drains, partially obstructing the flow of water and eventually leading to a backup.
• Clogged Sewer Lines: Tree roots, foreign objects, or deteriorating pipes can block the main sewer line, preventing wastewater from draining properly.
• Backwater from Main Sewer: During heavy rainfall, municipal sewer lines can become overwhelmed, causing wastewater to back up into homes and businesses connected to the system.
• Sump Pump Failure: In areas prone to flooding, sump pumps are employed to remove excess water from basements and crawlspaces. If a sump pump fails, water can accumulate and cause sewage backup.