Why the sewage keeps coming back
Recurring sewage backups almost always mean a deeper, unresolved problem in the sewer or main line — and repeatedly snaking the drain without a real repair leaves you with an ongoing habitability violation.
If sewage keeps coming back, the cause is usually something the landlord must actually fix, such as a collapsed pipe, tree-root intrusion, or a failing main line — not a one-time clog. Temporary clearing buys a few days before it returns, bringing the mess and the health risk with it each time.
A landlord is expected to diagnose and repair the underlying cause, not just clear the line again and again. Keep a record of every backup, every report, and every temporary fix, with dates, so the pattern is clear. If sewage keeps backing up no matter what your landlord does, a free review can help you understand what more they should be doing.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.