It’s among the worst plumbing problems anyone can imagine. While big leaks or exploding pipes definitely aren’t pleasant, having sewage backing up your pipes into your home or basement is something most homeowners wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy. But it’s a problem that many people face. If you suspect your plumbing system might be at risk for a sewage backup, or you’ve had problems with this issue yourself, it’s important to know the risks involved and what you should do when this issue strikes.
Why Do Drains and Sewage Back Up?
Only a professional plumber can pinpoint the cause of your sewage backup problem. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Structural defects.
- Root infiltration.
- Improper flushes (items that shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet).
- Wet weather.
- Flooding around and under your home.
- Planning problems with sewage lines.
- Pipe blockages.
- Broken or leaking pipes.
How Dangerous are Sewage Back Ups?
Sewage back ups are among one of the worst plumbing problems because of the risk that they present to homeowners and residents. Sewage can spread illness, disease and even death. The National Resources Defense Council reports that nearly 2 million cases of illnesses are caused by sewage contamination each year. Sewage is full of contaminants, viruses and bacteria that pose a serious threat to people and their pets. In addition, sewage may contain other toxic substances like pesticides, residuals from pharmaceutical drugs, fungi and protozoan.