Sewer backup repair
Stop using all water, keep people and pets away from the sewage, and find out whether neighbors are affected. If they are, call the sewer utility; if it's only your house, the blockage is likely in your lateral and needs a plumber to clear and inspect it.
A sewer backup is a health hazard as well as a plumbing problem. Sewage contains bacteria, and backed-up water can reach outlets and appliances near floor level.
Clearing the blockage stops the backup. The camera inspection afterward shows why it happened, which decides whether cleaning was enough or the line needs repair.
Signs you need sewer backup repair
- Sewage in a floor drain, shower or tub
- Toilets that won't flush or bubble
- Sewage smell indoors
- Several fixtures backing up at once
How sewer backup repair is done
- 1
Stop the flow
No water use until the line is cleared.
- 2
Clear the blockage
From a cleanout with a cable or jet.
- 3
Inspect
Camera the line to find roots, breaks or a sag.
- 4
Repair
Spot repair, lining or replacement if the pipe is damaged.
What affects the cost of sewer backup repair
- Time of day
- Cleanout access
- Whether the pipe needs repair
- Cleanup scope (often a separate restoration contractor)
Ask for the trip fee and the total price before work starts.
Need sewer backup repair? Call now
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. Calling (833) 753-0180 connects you with an independent, licensed plumber who serves your ZIP code; the plumber quotes and performs the work. Calls may be recorded.
Sewer backup repair: common questions
Who pays for a sewer backup?
If the public main caused it, many utilities repair their pipe; cleanup inside the home is usually arranged by the owner. A blockage in your lateral is the owner's repair. Check your insurance for a sewer backup endorsement.
Is it safe to clean up sewage myself?
Small amounts on hard floors can be cleaned with gloves and disinfectant. Large backups, or sewage on carpet or drywall, are a job for a restoration company.
How do I prevent another backup?
Fix the cause the camera shows, and consider a backwater valve if the backup came from the public sewer.