**Sewage Cleanup Service** professionals encounter various causes and effects of sewage backups, posing significant risks to health, property, and the environment. Understanding these factors is crucial for timely intervention and preventive measures.

### Causes of Sewage Backups

– **Structural Defects:** Broken or collapsed sewer lines, damaged pipes, and faulty connections can impede sewage flow, leading to backups.
– **Blockages:** Grease, debris, wipes, and other non-biodegradable materials can accumulate in drains and pipes, obstructing sewage discharge.
– **Tree Root Infiltration:** Roots from nearby trees can penetrate and damage underground sewer lines, causing blockages and leaks.
– **Heavy Rainfall:** Excessive stormwater runoff can overwhelm sewage systems, especially in older or poorly maintained networks, resulting in overflows and backups.
– **Grease Buildup:** Fats and oils discarded down drains solidify and adhere to pipe walls, gradually reducing flow capacity and causing backups.

### Effects of Sewage Backups

– **Health Hazards:** Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can transmit diseases such as E. coli, hepatitis A, and salmonella.
– **Structural Damage:** Sewage backups can flood basements, damage floors, walls, and fixtures, requiring costly repairs.
– **Property Loss:** Prolonged sewage exposure can ruin furniture, electronics, and other belongings, leading to substantial financial losses.
– **Environmental Impact:** Overflowing sewage can contaminate soil, waterways, and drinking water sources, posing environmental hazards and harming wildlife.

### Why is Sewage Coming Up in my Shower?

– **Clogged Drain:** Hair, soap scum, and other debris can clog shower drains, preventing water from draining properly and causing backups to occur.
– **Faulty Vent Pipe:** A vent pipe allows air to enter the plumbing system, preventing pressure buildup. A blocked or damaged vent pipe can lead to sewage backing up into the shower.
– **Damaged Sewer Line:** A broken or collapsed sewer line can allow sewage to flow backward into the shower drain.
– **Tree Roots:** As mentioned earlier, tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines, causing blockages and backups.
– **Overflowing Septic Tank:** If a septic tank is full or malfunctioning, sewage can back up into the house’s plumbing system, including the shower.