Sewage Backup Causes and Effects

Dealing with a sewage backup can be a stressful and unpleasant experience. Understanding the causes and effects of a sewage backup can help you to identify potential problems early on and take steps to prevent or resolve them.

**Causes of Sewage Backups**

* **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into and break sewer lines, causing blockages.
* **Grease buildup:** Grease from cooking and other sources can accumulate in sewer lines and harden, creating clogs.
* **Flushing non-flushable items:** Items such as feminine hygiene products, wipes, and diapers can clog sewer lines if they are flushed down the toilet.
* **Broken or damaged pipes:** Worn-out or damaged pipes can crack or break, allowing sewage to leak into your home.

**Effects of Sewage Backups**

* **Water damage:** Sewage backups can cause significant water damage to your home, damaging floors, walls, and furniture.
* **Health risks:** Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illness if they are inhaled or ingested.
* **Unpleasant odors:** Sewage backups can create strong and unpleasant odors that can permeate your home.
* **Property devaluation:** A sewage backup can affect the property value of your home if it is not properly cleaned up and repaired.

## Why is Sewage Coming Up in My Shower?

One common location for sewage backups to occur is in the shower. There are a few reasons why this may happen:

* **Clogged drain:** The drain in your shower can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. This can prevent water from draining properly and cause sewage to back up into the shower.
* **Blocked sewer line:** The sewer line that connects your shower to the main sewer system can become blocked by tree roots, grease buildup, or other debris. This can cause sewage to back up into your shower.
* **Faulty sewer ejector pump:** If your home has a basement or other low-lying area, a sewer ejector pump may be used to pump sewage uphill to the main sewer line. If the pump fails or becomes clogged, sewage can back up into your shower.

If you experience a sewage backup in your shower, it is important to contact a professional Sewage Cleanup Service immediately. They will be able to identify and resolve the cause of the backup and clean up the mess safely and effectively.