What Are the Causes of Sewage Overflow?

4 min read

Sewer systems are a critical component in any home. They efficiently move wastewater and sewage away from your property and into treatment facilities, where they can be safely processed. With the right installation and regular maintenance, they keep your living environment clean, healthy, and comfortable.

However, even with proper installation and a sophisticated structure, sewer systems are not invulnerable to issues. Sewage overflows and backups are common problems that create a mess inside your home, introduce health hazards, and wreak havoc on your property.

The good news is that sewage overflow can often be prevented. Safeguard your property and your family’s health by understanding the common reasons sewage backs up and taking proactive steps to address them.

4 Common Causes of Sewage Overflow at Home

A Clog in the Sewer Line

One of the primary causes of sewage backups at homes is a clog in the sewer lines. When solid objects or debris, such as diapers, garbage, plastic, or other items, find their way into the sewage system, they can obstruct the flow of wastewater. This blockage often occurs in the pipeline between the city main and your home, making sewage and wastewater flow back to where it came from.

Damaged or Collapsed Sewer Lines

Sewage can also overflow and back up into your home because of damaged or collapsed sewer lines.

Over time, sewer lines may deteriorate due to corrosion or shifting soil. When these pipes become damaged, they can allow sewage to seep into the surrounding soil. Obstructions created by a collapse can also force wastewater back up to your home.

Tree Root Infiltration

Nearby trees and their roots can be surprisingly destructive when it comes to sewage systems. They can infiltrate pipelines at the joints in their search for a water source. As they grow, they can exert excessive pressure on the water lines, penetrating them and causing structural damage.

Sewer System Age

The age of your sewer system can also play a significant role in the likelihood of sewage overflow. As systems age, they can become more susceptible to wear and damage, increasing the risk of backups.

Signs You Have a Sewage Backup – And Need Sewage Cleanup Services ASAP

Besides understanding the common causes of sewage overflows, recognizing their telltale signs is equally crucial.

Some common indicators include slow-draining sinks, gurgling toilet bowls, foul odors, and water pooling around floor drains. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take immediate action and seek professional sewage cleanup services to prevent further damage.

The Best Approach Toward Sewage Overflow Cleanup

It can be tempting to attempt to address your sewage backup on your own. However, it’s crucial to remember that sewer system overflows contain bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause serious illness. On top of that, a sewage backup can cause overwhelming water damage to your floors, walls, and furniture. It can also promote mold and bacterial growth, further exacerbating the damage and health risks.

If sewage has backed up into your home, it’s best to stay safe and get professional sewage overflow cleanup. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly clean and sanitize your property. Ultimately, they identify further issues, determine the appropriate steps to prevent them, and restore your property to a safe and healthy condition.

You’ll Always Find a Reliable Sewage Cleanup Expert in Restoration 1 of Everett

Sewage backups must be addressed immediately because of their health and safety risks. Fortunately, with Restoration 1 of Everett, you’ll never have to wait until the morning to thoroughly clean your property, sanitize, and return to normal.

As experts in sewage backup cleanup, we use tried-and-tested methods to clean up your property, sanitize all affected areas, eliminate odors, and prevent mold. Most importantly, we take the cleanup task seriously and do what it takes to restore your environment.

Your local Restoration 1 team stands ready around the clock to eliminate the threat of contamination after a sewage backup. Contact us anytime for a thorough, meticulous, and efficient sewage cleanup in Everett.