Damage from Sewage Backups: How Harmful Is It to Your Property and Health?

Damage from sewage backups is among the most dangerous types. When a sewer line becomes blocked or broken, contaminated water can flow back into your home, soaking floors, walls, and everything it touches.

This kind of water damage doesn’t just ruin materials, but also brings serious health risks. At The Homestar Group, we specialize in Atlanta water damage, restoring homes affected by sewage backups, and we know that a fast, expert response is critical to protecting your home and your family’s health.

Why Do Sewage Backups Happen?

Several different problems can lead to a nasty and dangerous sewage backup. Here are the most common:

Blocked Sewer Lines

Blockages are one of the most common plumbing issues in homes. Sewer pipes can get clogged by grease buildup, non-flushable items, or large amounts of debris. When the sewer line gets blocked, wastewater has nowhere to go but back into your home.

Tree Roots in the Lines

Tree roots naturally look for moisture, and unfortunately, sewer lines are a prime target. Over time, roots are likely to crack pipes or completely block them, leading to backups and flooding inside your home.

Damaged or Aging Pipes

Pipes made from older materials like clay or cast iron eventually break down. A collapse or major crack in the sewer line will often cause sewage to back up into sinks, toilets, or tubs.

Heavy Rain or Flooding

In some areas, municipal sewer systems can get overwhelmed during heavy rains, forcing dirty water back through the residential sewer lines.

Health Risks from Sewage Backups

Sewage water, also called “Category 3” or “black water,” is one of the most dangerous of all three categories of water damage. This type contains viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other harmful pathogens that pose serious health risks:

• Infections: Exposure can cause gastrointestinal infections, skin rashes, hepatitis, and respiratory illnesses.
• Mold Growth: Wet, contaminated environments are ideal for dangerous mold to grow quickly, which often happens within 24 to 48 hours.
• Toxic Gas Exposure: Sewer gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide can cause headaches, dizziness, and even more severe health effects with prolonged exposure.
• Long-Term Damage: If not properly cleaned and disinfected, lingering contaminants can cause long-term health hazards, especially in porous materials like drywall and carpeting.

This is why professional cleanup isn’t just recommended - it’s absolutely necessary when dealing with sewage damage.

Prevention and Response: What You Can Do

While not all backups can be avoided, water damage prevention can be accomplished with good habits and maintenance. Here’s what you can do to reduce the chances of sewage backups:

• Avoid Flushing Problematic Items: Never flush wipes (even so-called "flushable" ones), feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or grease down your drains.
• Install a Backwater Valve: A professionally installed backwater valve can prevent sewage from flowing back into your home.
• Schedule Regular Sewer Inspections: Especially if you have mature trees near your home, have your sewer lines inspected every few years.
• Be Cautious After Heavy Rain: If storms are forecasted, minimize water use until the risk of sewer overflow passes.

You may wonder: What should I do immediately after a sewage backup? If a sewage backup does happen, here are the immediate steps to take:

1. Evacuate the Area: Keep people and pets away from contaminated water.
2. Avoid Contact: Do not touch sewage water or contaminated items without professional-grade protective equipment.
3. Turn Off Electricity (If Safe): If water levels rise near electrical outlets, shut off power to the area.
4. Call The Homestar Group Immediately: Professional sewage cleanup should begin as soon as possible to prevent further damage and health risks.
5. Document the Damage: Take photos and notes for insurance claims, but avoid staying in affected areas longer than necessary.

Why Choose The Homestar Group for Sewage Cleanup and Restoration?

At The Homestar Group, we specialize in sewage cleanup and full-service water damage restoration throughout Atlanta, GA. With years of experience, industry certifications, and the right equipment for hazardous cleanup, we know how to safely and thoroughly restore your property.

Whether it's a small bathroom backup or a major sewer line failure, our team handles it all! From extraction and drying to disinfecting and rebuilding, we’ll help you recover with confidence.

Here’s why Atlanta homeowners trust us:

• 24/7 Emergency Response
• Certified Water Damage Restoration and Biohazard Cleanup Experts
• Advanced Drying, Disinfection, and Decontamination Techniques
• Structural Repairs and Full Restoration
• Insurance Claims Assistance
• Locally Trusted for Fast, Friendly, and Reliable Service

Call The Homestar Group Today for Emergency Sewage Cleanup

If you’re facing a sewage backup or suspect your home has been affected by contaminated water, now is the time to act! Fast action makes all the difference. Call us at The Homestar Group at (678) 928-5377 for immediate professional water damage restoration services, or fill out this online form for a free estimate. Let us provide the expertise and care your home and family deserve.