Sewage backups are a major plumbing emergency that can cause significant damage to your home and health. Understanding the causes and effects of sewage backups can help you prevent them from happening in the future.

### Causes of Sewage Backups

Sewage backups can be caused by many factors, including:

– **Blockages in the sewer line.** These blockages can be caused by tree roots, grease, hair, or other objects that have been flushed down the toilet.
– **Damaged sewer lines.** Sewer lines can be damaged by tree roots, construction, or other factors.
– **Overwhelmed sewer systems.** During heavy rains, the sewer system can become overwhelmed and cause sewage to back up into homes.
– **Clogged drains.** Clogged drains can prevent sewage from draining properly and cause it to back up into the home.

### Effects of Sewage Backups

Sewage backups can have a number of serious effects, including:

– **Property damage.** Sewage backups can cause extensive damage to your home, including flooding, mold, and structural damage.
– **Health hazards.** Sewage contains bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can cause illness.
– **Psychological distress.** Sewage backups can be a traumatic experience that can cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

### How Does Sewage Backup Happen?

Sewage backup occurs when the normal flow of wastewater is obstructed, causing it to flow in the opposite direction and into homes and businesses. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

– **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into and block sewer lines, preventing wastewater from flowing properly.
– **Grease and oil:** Grease and oil can build up in sewer lines and harden, forming a blockage that prevents wastewater from flowing through.
– **Foreign objects:** Foreign objects, such as toys, diapers, and feminine hygiene products, can be flushed down toilets and become lodged in sewer lines, causing a blockage.
– **Damaged sewer lines:** Sewer lines can be damaged by construction, excavation, or other factors, which can create a hole or crack that allows wastewater to escape.
– **Overwhelmed sewer systems:** During heavy rains, the sewer system can become overwhelmed and unable to handle the increased volume of wastewater, causing it to back up into homes and businesses.

### Conclusion

Sewage backups are a serious plumbing emergency that can have a devastating impact on your home and health. By understanding the causes and effects of sewage backups, you can take steps to prevent them from happening in the future.