Sewage isn’t just foul-smelling water—it’s a health hazard. Raw sewage is loaded with bacteria, viruses, and harmful pathogens. When it seeps into your home or yard due to plumbing issues like low house water pressure or backed-up drains, it becomes a direct threat to your family’s health.
phoenix plumbers today report rising cases of sewage leaks and drain backups, especially in California cities like Fresno, San Jose, and Oakland. These incidents aren't just property damage—they’re health emergencies.
Let’s break down what diseases are caused by sewage and how you can protect your home.
Why Sewage Is Dangerous to Humans
Raw sewage contains a mixture of human waste, food particles, industrial runoff, and contaminated water. When plumbing systems break or back up, this toxic mix can enter your home through:
Toilets and drains
Yard flooding
Leaking pipes
Foundation cracks
This exposure can lead to many serious illnesses, especially when left untreated. The longer sewage sits, the more it ferments and releases harmful gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide—compounding the health risks.
Common Diseases Caused by Sewage Exposure
1. Gastroenteritis
One of the most common illnesses, this infection leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It’s caused by viruses and bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, both of which are prevalent in raw sewage.
2. Hepatitis A
A viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain. It can be contracted simply by touching sewage-infected surfaces.
3. Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease enters the body through skin cuts or mucous membranes. Common in San Diego and Sacramento after floods or sewage leaks, it can cause fever, chills, vomiting, and in rare cases, kidney damage.
4. Cholera
Caused by contaminated water, cholera leads to severe dehydration and diarrhea. While rare in the U.S., areas with aging infrastructure like Los Angeles are still at risk during sewage overflows.
5. Cryptosporidiosis
This parasitic infection spreads through sewage-contaminated water. It leads to watery diarrhea, dehydration, and stomach cramps—especially dangerous for children and those with weakened immune systems.
6. Skin and Eye Infections
Bacteria in sewage can cause rashes, open sores, conjunctivitis, and fungal infections. Direct contact or standing near sewage pools can trigger flare-ups.
How Low House Water Pressure Connects to Sewage Risk
Many homeowners don’t realize that low house water pressure can be an early warning sign of a much bigger issue. It may mean:
A cracked or collapsed pipe underground
Blockages caused by tree roots
Broken sewer lines causing backflow
Leaks allowing contaminants to seep in
Phoenix plumbers today often trace pressure problems to hidden sewage leaks. Once discovered, the area must be cleaned, repaired, and disinfected quickly to prevent disease spread.
Cities in California Facing Frequent Sewage Problems
Sewage overflows and pipe collapses are common in many California cities due to old infrastructure, dense populations, and frequent seismic activity.
✔ Los Angeles – Decades-old sewer lines often collapse under pressure.
✔ Fresno – Hard water and pipe corrosion lead to backups and sewage leaks.
✔ Oakland – Poor drainage and aging clay pipes cause overflow during rains.
✔ San Jose – Tree root intrusion and shifting soil damage sewer lines.
✔ Sacramento – Sewer systems are often overwhelmed during storms.
Residents in these areas should be particularly alert to slow drains, bad odors, and low water pressure—all signs that raw sewage could be present somewhere in the system.
What Causes Sewage to Enter the Home?
Sewage usually enters homes because of:
❌ Blocked Sewer Lines
Grease, hair, and debris can cause massive clogs, pushing waste back into the home.
❌ Pipe Collapses
Soil movement, corrosion, or seismic shifts in places like San Francisco and San Jose can cause pipes to collapse, forcing sewage to surface.
❌ Faulty Septic Systems
In rural California areas, improperly maintained septic tanks can overflow into homes and yards.
❌ Stormwater Overflows
Excess rainwater can flood municipal sewer systems, causing sewage to back up into homes.
How Phoenix Plumbers Today Help Prevent These Diseases
When you contact professional plumbers, they don’t just fix the pipes—they help protect your family’s health. Here’s how:
Camera Inspections: Identify blockages or damage without digging
Jetting Services: Clear out tough clogs that could lead to sewage leaks
Trenchless Pipe Repair: Replace or repair sewer lines with minimal disruption
Water Pressure Tests: Spot pressure changes that signal a larger problem
Emergency Cleanup: Sanitize areas exposed to raw sewage
Phoenix plumbers today work fast to prevent sewage exposure from turning into a disease outbreak in your home.
What Should You Do If Exposed to Sewage?
If you suspect a sewage leak or backup in your home:
Avoid contact with contaminated water or surfaces
Shut off your main water line to prevent more flow into drains
Ventilate your home by opening windows
Call an emergency plumber immediately
Disinfect any affected area with bleach once it’s safe to do so
Monitor your health—seek medical attention if you develop symptoms
Tips to Prevent Sewage-Related Illnesses
Stay ahead of the problem with regular home maintenance:
Install backwater valves to prevent sewage from re-entering the house
Don’t flush wipes, grease, or foreign objects
Have your plumbing inspected yearly
Act immediately if you notice low house water pressure or strange smells
Use water softeners in hard water zones like Fresno to reduce corrosion
Final Thoughts
Sewage exposure is not just a plumbing issue—it’s a public health crisis waiting to happen. The diseases it causes can range from mild infections to severe, even deadly, conditions.
If you’re in a vulnerable California city like Los Angeles, San Jose, or Fresno, and notice low house water pressure, don’t ignore it. That could be your home’s first cry for help.