When sewage backs up into your home or business, it can be a messy, smelly, and dangerous situation. It's important to know what causes sewage backups and what to do if you experience one. ### What Causes Sewage Backups? There are a number of things that can cause sewage backups, including: * **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into and damage sewer lines, causing blockages. * **Grease and other fats:** Grease and fats can build up in sewer lines and harden, eventually causing a blockage. * **Flushing non-flushable items:** Flushing non-flushable items such as wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products can clog sewer lines. * **Heavy rains:** Heavy rains can overwhelm sewer systems, causing backups. * **Broken or collapsed sewer lines:** Broken or collapsed sewer lines can cause sewage to leak out and back up into homes and businesses. ### Effects of Sewage Backups Sewage backups can have a number of negative effects, including: * **Health hazards:** Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illness if ingested or inhaled. * **Property damage:** Sewage backups can damage carpets, furniture, and other belongings. * **Business disruption:** Sewage backups can disrupt business operations and cause financial losses. ### How to Prevent Sewage Backups There are a number of things you can do to prevent sewage backups, including: * **Avoid flushing non-flushable items:** Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. * **Dispose of grease and fats properly:** Pour grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash. * **Keep tree roots away from sewer lines:** Trim tree roots that are growing near sewer lines. * **Install a backflow preventer:** A backflow preventer can prevent sewage from backing up into your home or business. * **Have your sewer lines inspected regularly:** A professional plumber can inspect your sewer lines for any potential problems. ### What to Do If You Experience a Sewage Backup If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to take the following steps: * **Call a plumber:** A professional plumber can safely and effectively clean up the sewage backup and identify the cause of the problem. * **Clean and disinfect the area:** Once the sewage backup has been cleaned up, it is important to clean and disinfect the area to prevent the spread of bacteria. * **File an insurance claim:** If your home or business has been damaged by a sewage backup, you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover the cost of repairs. ### Conclusion Sewage backups can be a major inconvenience, but they can also be dangerous. By understanding what causes sewage backups and what to do if you experience one, you can help to prevent or minimize the damage.