Indoor floods and plumbing leaks are difficult disasters to handle because they can result in extensive water damage.  If the flooding in your home contains sewage or is caused by a sewer backup, the situation will be much more dangerous.  Sewage backup contains microorganisms, bacteria, and human waste and those that come into contact with sewage water are at risk for disease or infection.  The mess caused by a sewage backup can only be cleaned up by a  professional.  Because sewer backups are damaging and hazardous to your health, it is best to know the common signs and causes of a sewage backup so you can prevent them from happening.

Health Hazards of Sewer Backups: Understanding the Risks

Sewage backups can indeed pose significant health risks due to the release of airborne contaminants and physical pollutants. Inhalation of these vapors can lead to a range of symptoms, including cramping, vomiting, fever, gastroenteritis, headaches, weakness, and loss of appetite. Moreover, exposure to specific substances found in sewage backups can exacerbate health issues or lead to additional complications.

Sewage contamination is responsible for around 2 million cases of illness per year according to the National Resources Defense Council.

• Hydrogen Sulfide: Sewage backups may release hydrogen sulfide, a highly toxic gas with a distinct “rotten egg” odor. Inhalation of hydrogen sulfide can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory distress. Furthermore, exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can be fatal due to its ability to inhibit cellular respiration.
• Bacterial Contamination: Sewage contains a plethora of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Contact with these pathogens can result in various illnesses, ranging from gastrointestinal infections to severe systemic diseases. For instance, bacterial pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella can cause gastroenteritis, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, these infections can lead to dehydration and organ failure, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations.
• Carbon Monoxide: Exposure to carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas produced during the incomplete combustion of organic materials, can result in headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or death. This gas competes with oxygen for binding sites on hemoglobin, reducing the blood’s capacity to transport oxygen, thereby impairing vital organ functions.
• Sewer Gas: Sewer gas, a mixture of various gases such as methane, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide, can have detrimental effects on human health. Inhalation of sewer gas can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritated eyes, coughing, nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, irritability, memory issues, and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to these gases can result in chronic respiratory conditions and neurological impairment.

Given the potential health hazards associated with sewage backups, it is imperative to approach cleanup and mitigation efforts with caution. Additionally, seeking professional assistance for thorough sewage cleanup and restoration is advisable to mitigate exposure to hazardous substances effectively.

Sewage Backup Causes and Warning Signs

Now that we’ve seen the array of health issues that can crop up when dealing with sewage backups, it’s time we understand what’s causing these messy situations in the first place. Knowing the main reasons behind sewage backups helps us take charge and prevent them from happening.

Sewage backups are typically the result of a clogged sewer line which is nearly impossible to spot.  However, there are three warning signs of a clogged sewer line that you should look for in your home:

1. Clogs: One of the primary causes of sewer backups is the formation of clogs. These blockages often stem from the accumulation of grease, oil, fats, and non-biodegradable items like paper towels or wipes, which restrict the flow of wastewater within the sewer pipes.
2. Heavy Rainfall: Intense storms and heavy rainfall can inundate sewer systems, causing them to become overwhelmed with excess water. This surge in volume can attract tree roots seeking moisture, leading to infiltration into sewer pipes and subsequent blockages that contribute to backups.
3. Damaged Pipes: Sewer backups frequently occur due to damaged or deteriorating pipes. Pipes may sustain cracks, breaks, or collapses over time due to factors such as aging infrastructure, ground shifting, or pressure from vehicles passing overhead, resulting in disruptions to the flow of wastewater.
4. System Overload: During periods of intense precipitation, sewer systems can reach their maximum capacity, unable to accommodate the influx of water. This overload can lead to backups as the system struggles to manage the excessive volume of wastewater.
5. Municipal Sewer Issues: Sewer backups may also originate from problems within the municipal sewage infrastructure. Malfunctions, blockages, or overflows in the city’s sewer system can cause wastewater to flow backward into residential properties, contaminating sinks, toilets, and drains.
6. Aging Infrastructure: As sewer systems age, the risk of failures and breakdowns increases. Aging pipes are susceptible to corrosion, deterioration, and structural weaknesses, making them prone to leaks, cracks, or collapses that can contribute to backups and pose significant challenges for maintenance and repair efforts.

Understanding the different things that can cause sewer backups is key. It helps us figure out what to do to prevent them and keep our sewer systems in good shape. By staying on top of maintenance and taking action before problems arise, we can lower the risk of backups and keep everything running smoothly when we need it.

How to Prevent Sewage Backup at Home?

The best action you can take against sewage backups is to prevent them in the first place.  The following actions can help you avoid sewage backups in your home:

• Inspect and Clean Sewer Lines: Schedule regular inspections by a professional plumber to check for any signs of blockages, damage, or tree root intrusion in your sewer lines. Periodic cleaning using methods like hydro-jetting can help remove debris and prevent clogs.
• Proper Disposal Practices: Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items like wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet. Dispose of grease, oils, and fats in designated containers instead of pouring them down drains, as they can solidify and cause blockages.
• Tree Root Management: Trees near your sewer lines can send roots into pipes, causing blockages and damage. Consider planting trees away from sewer lines or installing root barriers to prevent root intrusion.
• Check Sewer Ventilation: Ensure that sewer vents are clear of debris and obstructions to prevent air pressure buildup, which can lead to backups.
• Install Backflow Prevention Devices: Backflow prevention devices, such as check valves and backwater valves, can prevent sewage from flowing back into your home during sewer system surges or flooding.
• Sump Pump Maintenance: If your home has a sump pump, make sure it’s properly maintained and equipped with a battery backup to prevent basement flooding during heavy rains or sewer backups.
• Monitor Water Usage: Be mindful of your water usage habits and avoid overloading your sewer system. Spread out water usage activities like laundry and dishwashing throughout the day to prevent sudden surges in wastewater flow.
• Upgrade Aging Infrastructure: Consider upgrading aging sewer pipes and infrastructure to modern, corrosion-resistant materials. This can improve the reliability and longevity of your sewer system and reduce the risk of backups due to pipe deterioration.

Emergency Preparedness When You Find Sewage Backup Flooding

Despite your best efforts, emergencies can still occur. It’s essential to have a plan in place to respond to sewage backups quickly and effectively:

1. Know the Signs: Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of a potential sewer backup, such as slow drains, gurgling noises, foul odors, or sewage backups in basement floor drains.
2. Emergency Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your plumber’s contact information and the number for your local sewage department, readily available in case of a backup.
3. Take Immediate Action: If you suspect a sewage backup, turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent further damage, and contact a professional for sewage backup cleaning.

Which areas in the house are more prone to sewage flooding?

Several areas in the house are more prone to sewage flooding due to their proximity to plumbing fixtures and sewer lines. These areas include:

1. Basements: Basements are often the lowest point in a house and typically contain plumbing fixtures such as floor drains, toilets, sinks, and laundry facilities. If the sewer line becomes clogged or overloaded, sewage backup can occur in the basement, causing extensive damage to the structure and contents.
2. Ground-level bathrooms: Bathrooms located on the ground level, especially those with toilets situated below street level, are at higher risk of sewage flooding. If the sewer line becomes blocked or overwhelmed, sewage can back up through toilets, sinks, and floor drains, flooding the bathroom and adjoining rooms.
3. Utility rooms: Utility rooms that house water heaters, washing machines, and other plumbing fixtures are susceptible to sewage flooding if the sewer line becomes compromised. A sewage backup in the utility room can damage appliances, electrical systems, and stored items, posing safety hazards and requiring costly repairs.
4. Crawl spaces: Homes with crawl spaces beneath the main living area may be vulnerable to sewage flooding if the sewer line runs through or near the crawl space. A sewage backup in the crawl space can contaminate the area and compromise the structural integrity of the house, necessitating thorough cleaning and remediation efforts.
5. Outdoor drains: Drains located near the exterior of the house, such as basement window wells, patio drains, and driveway drains, can become clogged with debris or overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, leading to sewage flooding in the surrounding area.

Contact RestorationMaster for Sewage Cleanup

Sewage backups present a major problem in your home because of the potential damage and negative health effects but by recognizing the warning signs and taking preventive actions, you can prevent a sewer backup.  If you do experience a sewage backup or in-home flooding that may contain sewage, call a water damage restoration professional right away.  These professionals are highly trained to deal with sewage water and ensure that it is removed safely.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.