How Does a Sewage Backup Happen?

Sewage backups are gross, smell terrible and are super messy! But have you ever wondered how they happen?

What Is a Sewage Backup?

A sewage backup happens when dirty water that should go down your drains (ie: flushing toilet water) but instead comes right back up into your sinks (including the one in the kitchen), toilets or bathtubs. We have even seen sewage come up the drain pipe of a washing machine. Yuck!

Why Do Backups Happen?

Here are some of the most common reasons for sewage backup:

1. Clogged Pipes

The number one culprit is from flushing things that don’t belong in the toilet. This ranges from wipes (we know a lot of them say you can flush them. DON'T DO THAT!), paper towels, feminine products, crayons or toys. All items that should not be flushed (unless you just want a large plumbing bill that could be prevented). When the pipes get too full the water has to go somewhere, so it comes back up! This is a great reason to make sure you stay and watch the toilet completely flush before leaving the bathroom.

2. Tree Roots in the Pipes

Those darned ole tree roots just love to find any tiny little crack in the underground pipes. They take over the pipes and grow inside which causes blockages. As you can imagine, this is very invasive and will cause water as well as waste to back up into your home.

3. Heavy Rain & Flooding

When there is heavy rain, often time the city’s sewer system can get too full too quickly. If their system can’t handle all the water, unfortunately sewage can flow back into your home. We've seen this a lot in older homes.

4. Broken or Old Pipes

Pipes are like people. Over time we all just get a little worn out. The pipe in your home can crack or collapse the older it gets. If a pipe is broken the water with waste can clog up and won't flow out like it should. This can definitely cause a sewage backup.

5. Blocked Sewer Line

Unfortunately folks will wash grease down their sink or flush a lot of stuff they shouldn't. Collectively this can clog your main sewer line in your neighborhood. If there is a blocked sewer line this will affect many houses in the neighborhood and send dirty wastewater back into homes (yes, not even just YOUR wastewater, Bill's next door will come up into your house as well).

How to Prevent a Sewage Backup

Only flush toilet paper—Remember: no wipes, paper towels or trash!
Don’t pour grease down the sink— Your mother told you not to when you were growing up, so why start now? It will harden and clog your pipes.
Schedule a licensed plumber to check your pipes every few years. Maintenance is key!
Install a backwater valve—all the cool kids have one. This will stop sewage from flowing the wrong way (code for: inside your house)!

Why You Should Call First In Restoration

Sewage backups can be dangerous for multiple reasons but especially because they contain harmful bacteria and nasty germs. If a sewage backups happens in your home, don’t panic! Take a deep breath and call First In Restoration. We have the tools and experience to clean it up safely and restore your home fast.

First In Restoration, is the #1 water damage restoration company in Georgia. Our IICRC-certified experts specialize in water damage cleanup, restoration and mold prevention (as well as remediation). We make sure your property is dry and beautiful before we leave.

We also offer emergency plumbing services, so whether it’s a burst pipe, sewage backup or flooding, we can fix the problem at the source and begin the restoration process immediately. First In Restoration is available 24/7, we respond quickly to sewage backup and will minimize damage to prevent costly repairs. Don’t let water take over your home—call First In Restoration today!

Call us now at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com for expert help.