What Causes Sewage Backups in Hendersonville Homes? – A Guide to Dealing With Sewage Backup & Spills

When floodwater contains contaminants and viruses that present serious risks of illness, it is considered black water. Sewage is a form of black water, so if you have a sewage backup, you need to quickly fix it. However, knowing what causes sewage backups can help you prevent this situation in your home.

What is a Sewage Backup? (And Why It’s Dangerous)

A sewage backup is more than just a smelly mess—it’s a biohazard. When wastewater floods your home, it carries bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Immediate sewer backup cleanup is crucial to avoid health risks like:
✔ E. coli & salmonella exposure
✔ Mold growth (within 24-48 hours)
✔ Structural damage to floors/walls

Need sewage cleanup in your basement fast? Call Puroclean of Hendersonville at (615) 348-7200 immediately!

5 Shocking Causes of Sewage Backups in Hendersonville Homes 

1. Clogged Pipes (The #1 Culprit)

Sewage can back up into your home when either your home’s drain pipes or main sewer line becomes clogged. For example, if one toilet creates a sewage backup, the drain connected to that toilet will likely be clogged. But if all toilets or bathtubs in your home create backflows, then there may be a clog in the main sewer line. Clogs can consist of hair, grease, or other solid materials that end up in the drains. Grease, wipes, and debris block drains, forcing sewage back into your home. Regular maintenance prevents sewer backup cleanup emergencies.

2. Tree Root Intrusions

Trees can grow long roots that intertwine with your sewer line. Roots can grow into a pipe and cause holes or crush the sewer line by growing around it. Even if the roots in your yard are not the problem, roots from nearby trees can reach your sewer line and damage it. Roots crack pipes, causing raw sewage cleanup nightmares. Older homes with clay pipes are especially vulnerable.

3. Heavy Rainfall or Flooding

A large amount of rain can overburden your city’s sewer lines. If the public sewer can’t handle excess rainfall, the water can make its way into connected sewer lines. This puts your home at risk of water backflow. Overwhelmed municipal systems can push wastewater into your basement. If you notice sewage spill cleanup needs after storms, act fast!

4. Broken or Damaged Sewer Lines

In the past, pipes were made of cast iron and clay piping, which don’t last very long. Aging sewage systems can break down and crack, causing sewage backups and flooded basements. Plastic sewer lines have now become the norm. Aging or damaged pipes collapse, leading to sewage backup in basement areas.

5. Improper DIY Plumbing Fixes

Sometimes we tend to do home fixing by ourselves, and because of our lack of experience and expertise, we make mistakes that lead to leaks. Using chemical drain cleaners or incorrect pipe repairs can worsen blockages, leading to costly sewage backup cleanup costs.

How to Prevent Sewage Backups in Your Hendersonville Home

• Don’t pour grease down the drain: Cooking oil can harden within your pipes; it gradually stops debris from draining, creating a clog. To properly dispose of grease or fat, pour it into a heat-resistant container and throw it in the trash after it cools off.
• Dispose of paper products properly: Flushing hygiene products such as paper towels, diapers, or feminine products down the toilet can easily clog your sewer line. Save yourself some trouble and discard paper products in the trash.
• Install a new plastic pipe or cut tree roots: To prevent tree roots from damaging your sewer lateral (the line buried in your yard), replace it with a new plastic pipe. If tree roots still grow in your sewer lateral, cut the roots occasionally.
• Install a backwater prevention valve: This fixture allows sewage to leave but prevents it from backing up into your home. Backwater valves are typically installed into a sewer line and sometimes into a drain line in the basement.

Sewage Backup Cleanup: DIY vs. Professional Services 

While small clogs can be handled with a plunger, raw sewage cleanup requires professionals due to:
✔ Biohazard risks (exposure to pathogens)
✔ Hidden moisture (leading to mold)
✔ Specialized equipment (industrial pumps, ozone machines)

Looking for trusted sewer cleanup services near me? PuroClean of Hendersonville offers 24/7 emergency response!

Sewage Backup Cleanup Cost: What to Expect

Costs vary based on:

• Extent of damage (minor spill vs. flooded basement)
• Labor & equipment (extraction, disinfection, drying)
• Restoration needs (carpet, drywall, etc.)

Tip: Insurance may cover sewage cleanup in the basement if the cause is sudden (like a storm).

Choose PuroClean of Hendersonville for Sewage Spill Cleanup. Call (615) 348-7200 for Emergency Sewage Cleanup Services

If sewage backup occurs in your home, call a restoration professional right away to remediate the black water damage. Handling the contaminated water yourself can put you at risk of contracting diseases. Contact your local PuroClean office for water damage repair and mold remediation services.

Facing a sewage backup disaster? PuroClean of Hendersonville provides emergency sewage spill cleanup 24/7. Call us now at (615) 348-7200 for emergency 24/7 remediation

Our certified team:
✔ Responds within hours to emergencies
✔ Uses hospital-grade disinfectants
✔ Works with insurance companies

Don’t risk DIY—call us for safe, thorough sewer backup cleanup!

FAQs About Sewage Backups

Q: Is sewage backup dangerous?
A: Extremely. Raw sewage contains deadly pathogens—always call pros for sewage cleanup in basement.

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup?
A: Sometimes. Check for “water backup coverage” in your policy.

Q: How fast should sewage be cleaned up?
A: Within 24 hours to prevent mold/bacteria growth.