**Topic: Sewage Backup Causes and Effects** Sewage backups are a common plumbing emergency that can cause significant damage to your home and health. It's crucial to understand the causes and effects of sewage backups to prevent them from happening or mitigate their impact. ### Causes of Sewage Backups Sewage backups can occur due to various reasons, including: - **Tree roots intrusion:** Roots can penetrate sewer lines, causing blockages. - **Grease accumulation:** Pouring grease down drains can solidify and clog pipes. - **Flushing non-flushable items:** Paper towels, wipes, and feminine products should not be flushed as they can obstruct the sewer line. - **Collapsed sewer lines:** Aging or faulty sewer lines can collapse, blocking the flow of sewage. - **Heavy rainfall:** Excessive rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems, causing backups. ### Effects of Sewage Backups in the House When a sewer backs up into your house, it can have severe consequences: - **Contaminated water:** Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can contaminate your home's water supply. - **Property damage:** Sewage can flood your basement or other areas, causing structural damage and ruining your belongings. - **Health risks:** Exposure to sewage can cause infections, respiratory problems, and other health issues. - **Unpleasant odors:** Sewage backups release foul odors that can linger in your home. - **Increased utility bills:** Sewage cleanup and repairs can lead to increased water and energy usage. ### What to Do When Sewage Backs Up in the House If you experience a sewage backup in your home, it's essential to take the following steps: - **Call a professional Sewage Cleanup Service:** A qualified plumber can safely and effectively clean up the sewage, identify the cause of the backup, and perform necessary repairs. - **Evacuate the area:** If the sewage has flooded your home, evacuate immediately to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria. - **Contact your insurance company:** Report the incident to your insurance company promptly to file a claim for damages. - **Take precautions:** Wear protective gear such as gloves and masks while cleaning up sewage. - **Ventilate the area:** Open windows and doors to ventilate the affected area as soon as possible.