### Causes of Sewage Backups Sewage backups occur when wastewater from the sewer system backs up into homes or businesses. These backups can be caused by a variety of factors, including: - **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and block them. This can cause sewage to back up into the home or business. - **Grease and oil:** Grease and oil buildup can clog sewer lines. This can also cause sewage to back up. - **Toilet paper:** Too much toilet paper can clog sewer lines. This can cause sewage to back up. - **Flushing non-flushable items:** Flushing non-flushable items, such as wipes, diapers, and sanitary products, can clog sewer lines. This can cause sewage to back up. - **Damaged sewer lines:** Damaged sewer lines can allow wastewater to leak out and back up into the home or business. ### Effects of Sewage Backups Sewage backups can have a number of negative effects on homes and businesses. These effects include: - **Property damage:** Sewage backups can cause damage to carpets, flooring, walls, and furniture. This can be a costly expense to repair. - **Health hazards:** Sewage backups can pose a health hazard to occupants of the home or business. The raw sewage can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illness. - **Unpleasant odors:** Sewage backups can create unpleasant odors that can make it difficult to live or work in the home or business. ### Why is Sewage Coming Up in My Shower? One of the most common signs of a sewage backup is sewage coming up in the shower. This can happen for a number of reasons, including: - **Clogged drain:** The drain in the shower can become clogged with hair, soap scum, and other debris. This can cause sewage to back up into the shower. - **Damaged sewer line:** A damaged sewer line can allow wastewater to leak out and back up into the shower. - **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into the sewer line and block it. This can cause sewage to back up into the shower. ### Sewage Cleanup Service If you experience a sewage backup, it is important to call a professional sewage cleanup service. These professionals have the equipment and expertise to safely clean up the sewage and prevent further damage. Here are some of the steps that a sewage cleanup service will take: - **Remove the sewage:** The first step is to remove the sewage from the home or business. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as pumping, vacuuming, or scooping. - **Clean and disinfect the area:** Once the sewage has been removed, the affected area will be cleaned and disinfected. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. - **Repair the damage:** The sewage cleanup service will also repair any damage that has been caused by the sewage backup. This may include repairing the sewer line, replacing damaged flooring, or cleaning carpets. ### Conclusion Sewage backups can be a costly and unpleasant experience. However, by understanding the causes and effects of sewage backups, you can take steps to prevent them from happening. If you do experience a sewage backup, it is important to call a professional sewage cleanup service to safely clean up the mess.