Sewage backups are an unpleasant and potentially hazardous situation that can affect homes and businesses. Understanding the causes and effects of sewage backups can help you take steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

### How Does Sewage Backup Happen?

Sewage backups occur when wastewater cannot drain properly through the sewer system. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

– **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and block the flow of wastewater.
– **Grease and food particles:** Grease and food particles can build up in sewer pipes and cause clogs.
– **Foreign objects:** Foreign objects, such as toys or feminine hygiene products, can flush into the toilet and block the sewer line.
– **Collapsed sewer pipes:** Collapsed sewer pipes can prevent wastewater from flowing properly.
– **Broken sewer lines:** Broken sewer lines can leak wastewater into the ground, which can contaminate soil and groundwater.

### Effects of Sewage Backup

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

– **Property damage:** Sewage backups can cause flooding and damage furniture, appliances, and other personal belongings.
– **Health hazards:** Sewage backups can expose people to harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.
– **Environmental damage:** Sewage backups can contaminate soil and groundwater, which can harm plants and animals.

### Sewage Cleanup Service

If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to contact a professional sewage cleanup service immediately. Sewage cleanup services can provide the following services:

– **Pumping out wastewater:** Sewage cleanup services can pump out wastewater from your home or business.
– **Cleaning up affected areas:** Sewage cleanup services can clean up affected areas and remove any contaminated materials.
– **Disinfecting the area:** Sewage cleanup services can disinfect the area to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
– **Repairing sewer lines:** Sewage cleanup services can repair sewer lines to prevent future backups.

### Preventing Sewage Backups

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent sewage backups, including:

– **Avoid flushing foreign objects down the toilet:** Do not flush toys, feminine hygiene products, or other foreign objects down the toilet.
– **Dispose of grease and food particles properly:** Dispose of grease and food particles in the trash, not down the drain.
– **Have your sewer lines inspected regularly:** Have your sewer lines inspected by a professional plumber every few years to identify and repair any potential problems.