A sewage backup is a serious plumbing emergency that can cause significant damage to your home and health. It is important to know the causes and effects of a sewage backup, as well as the steps to take if one occurs.

**Causes of Sewage Backups**

A sewage backup can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

– **Blocked drains:** Hair, grease, and other debris can build up in drains and cause a blockage.
– **Tree roots:** Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and cause a blockage.
– **Collapsed sewer lines:** Old or damaged sewer lines can collapse and cause a blockage.
– **Heavy rainfall:** Heavy rainfall can overwhelm a sewer system and cause a backup.
– **Sewer line problems:** If there is a break or leak in the sewer line, it can cause a backup.

**Effects of Sewage Backups**

A sewage backup can have a number of negative effects on your home and health, including:

– **Property damage:** Sewage can damage your carpets, floors, walls, and furniture.
– **Health problems:** Sewage can contain bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can cause infections and other health problems.
– **Unpleasant odors:** Sewage backups can create unpleasant odors that can linger in your home.

**What to Do if You Have a Sewage Backup**

If you have a sewage backup, it is important to take the following steps:

– **Call a plumber:** A plumber can help you identify the cause of the backup and fix it.
– **Clean up the sewage:** Once the backup has been fixed, you will need to clean up the sewage. This can be done using a bleach solution or a commercial cleaning product.
– **Prevent future backups:** To prevent future sewage backups, you can take the following steps:
– Keep your drains clear of debris.
– Have your sewer lines inspected regularly.
– Get your sewer lines cleaned if they are clogged.
– Install a backflow preventer.

**Why is Sewage Coming Up in My Shower?**

If sewage is coming up in your shower, it is likely due to a blocked drain. To fix the problem, you can try using a drain cleaner or a plunger. If the problem persists, you may need to call a plumber.