Why is sewage coming up through my shower?
Short answer
Because the shower drain is one of the lowest openings in the drain system. When the main sewer line is blocked, wastewater has nowhere to go and surfaces at the lowest fixture first.
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What it tells you
It is a main line symptom, not a shower problem. Clearing the shower trap will not fix it, and running more water will make it worse.
Common causes
- Grease and debris accumulation
- Root intrusion at joints
- Collapsed or bellied line
- Municipal main surcharge during heavy rain
Related questions
Is it safe to shower elsewhere in the house?
No. Any water you add to the system feeds the backup until the blockage is cleared.
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