When sewage backs up, it can be a major inconvenience and health hazard. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances that can cause illness if ingested or inhaled. If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to contact a professional sewage cleanup service to clean up the mess and prevent further damage. ### Causes of Sewage Backups There are a number of things that can cause a sewage backup, including: * **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and block them. * **Grease:** Grease from cooking can build up in sewer lines and cause clogs. * **Foreign objects:** Flushing foreign objects such as toys, diapers, and sanitary napkins can block sewer lines. * **Collapsed sewer lines:** Sewer lines can collapse due to age, damage, or improper installation. * **Heavy rainfall:** Heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems and cause backups. ### Effects of Sewage Backups Sewage backups can have a number of negative effects, including: * **Property damage:** Sewage backups can damage floors, walls, and furniture. * **Health hazards:** Sewage backups can expose people to bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances that can cause illness. * **Odors:** Sewage backups can produce unpleasant odors that can make it difficult to live in a home. * **Insurance claims:** Sewage backups can lead to insurance claims, which can increase your premiums. ### How Does Sewage Backup Happen? Sewage backups occur when the flow of sewage is blocked. This can be caused by a number of factors, including: * **Clogs:** Clogs are the most common cause of sewage backups. They can be caused by a variety of objects, such as grease, hair, and foreign objects. * **Collapsed sewer lines:** Sewer lines can collapse due to age, damage, or improper installation. This can block the flow of sewage and cause a backup. * **Heavy rainfall:** Heavy rainfall can overwhelm sewer systems and cause backups. This is especially common in areas with older sewer systems. ### Contact a Sewage Cleanup Service If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to contact a professional sewage cleanup service as soon as possible. Sewage cleanup services are trained to clean up sewage backups safely and efficiently. They will also take steps to prevent further damage and protect your health.