Sewer Backup Is a Health Emergency
Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It's not just gross — it's dangerous.
Act fast. Follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Stop Using Water (Do This Immediately)
Every flush, every drain adds more to the backup.
Stop using:
- All toilets
- All sinks
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Showers/tubs
Tell everyone in the household.
Step 2: Protect Yourself
Before going near sewage:
Wear:
- Rubber boots (or plastic bags over shoes)
- Rubber gloves
- Old clothes you can throw away
- Face mask if smell is strong
Avoid:
- Skin contact with sewage water
- Touching your face
- Walking through sewage barefoot
Step 3: Ventilate the Area
Open windows and doors in affected areas. Turn on fans if safe to do so.
Do NOT use central HVAC — it can spread contamination through the house.
Step 4: Turn Off Electricity (If Water Is Near Outlets)
If sewage water is near electrical outlets or appliances:
- Turn off the breaker to that area
- Do NOT touch electrical devices while standing in water
- Call an electrician after cleanup if outlets were submerged
Step 5: Call an Emergency Plumber
Call now — don't wait to "see if it drains."
Tell them:
- Sewage is backing up
- Which drains are affected
- How much sewage is visible
- Your address
A sewer backup needs professional equipment. This is not DIY territory.
Step 6: Locate the Cleanout (If Safe)
Your sewer cleanout is usually:
- In the yard near the house
- In the basement floor
- A capped 4" pipe
If sewage is overflowing from the cleanout: The main line is blocked, and the backup has nowhere to go but up.
Do NOT remove the cap if there's pressure behind it — it can spray sewage.
Step 7: Document for Insurance
While waiting for the plumber:
- Photograph and video all damage
- Document affected belongings
- Note the time you discovered the backup
- Save receipts for any emergency purchases
What NOT to Do
Don't use chemical drain cleaners They won't clear a main line blockage and add toxicity to an already hazardous situation.
Don't try to snake the main line yourself You can damage pipes or push the blockage further. Leave this to professionals.
Don't ignore it Sewer backups don't resolve themselves. The blockage will only get worse.
Don't track sewage through the house Contain the contamination. Remove shoes before entering clean areas.
Don't use the plumbing "to test" Every use adds more sewage to the backup.
After the Blockage Is Cleared
Cleanup Process
For small amounts:
- Remove standing water with wet-dry vac (dedicated to this — don't use it for regular cleaning after)
- Dispose of contaminated items (carpet, cardboard, porous materials)
- Wash hard surfaces with hot water and detergent
- Disinfect with bleach solution (1 cup per gallon of water)
- Dry thoroughly with fans and dehumidifiers
For significant contamination: Hire a professional cleanup service. Sewage cleanup has health risks and proper disposal requirements.
What to Throw Away
Anything porous that contacted sewage:
- Carpet and padding
- Upholstered furniture
- Mattresses and bedding
- Cardboard and paper items
- Stuffed toys
- Some wood items
Hard surfaces can usually be cleaned and disinfected.
Prevention
Don't flush wipes — even "flushable" ones cause backups
Don't pour grease down drains — it solidifies and catches debris
Install a backwater valve — prevents sewage from flowing back into your home
Regular main line cleaning — if you have old pipes or trees nearby
Camera inspection — identifies problems before they become emergencies