What to do if the sewer backs up in the basement?

Author: Dr. Malachi Barrows IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

What to Do After a Sewer Backup
  1. Step 1: Call a Plumber. If a sewer backs up into your home or business, it's best to call a plumber first to investigate the cause of the backup. Learn more about how and when to report the problem to Environmental Services.
  2. Step 2: Clean Up. Option 1: Hire a Cleanup Professional.

How to fix sewage backup in basement?

To clean up sewage backup in the basement, protect yourself by wearing PPE, protect the rest of the house by closing doors between the contaminated area and the rest of the space, drain the area with a sump pump or a large-capacity shop vac, clear out items affected by sewage backup, shovel out sludge and debris, pull ...

What to do if a basement drain backs up?

The first thing you should do is turn off the water supply to the main line. Next, remove all debris from the drain. Then, pour hot water down the drain until the clog is loosened. If the clog still won't budge, call a professional.

How much does it cost to clean up sewer backup in basement?

The Expenses Involved in Sewer Backup Cleanup

Removing sewage water can cost around $7 and $14 per square foot, based on industry averages. In total, wastewater cleanup and restoration falls between $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the spill.

How do you unclog a main sewer line in a basement?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Allow any sewer buildup to come out of the drain. ...
  3. Gently feed the auger cable into the main line drain. ...
  4. Run the auger until the clog is broken up. ...
  5. Hose out leftover debris. ...
  6. Pull the auger cable back out of the main line drain.

How to Unclog a Sewer Line with a Rented Drain Cleaner

How much does it cost to unclog a main sewer line?

You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.

What is the easiest way to clear a blockage in the sewer line?

Start by removing any visible and solid obstructions from the drain, like hair or food particles. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Slowly pour the 2 cups of white vinegar down the drain over the baking soda. The mixture will create a fizzing reaction, which can help break down the gunk in the drain.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewage cleanup?

Unfortunately, most homeowners are not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy. To make sure you are adequately covered, you should seek a special sewer backup endorsement or, in some cases, a separate policy. Most home insurance companies offer a sewer backup endorsement.

How do I get sewage out of my basement?

Once you identify where the leak originated, use a shop vac, or turn on your sump pump to extract the sewage. Salvaging items in your basement is your next step. Identify all items that came into contact with the sewage and bag and remove them from the basement.

How long does it take to fix a backed up sewer?

Clearing a clogged sewer line may take between one and three hours. Performing a complete sewer line replacement using trenchless methods may take two or fewer business days. Replacing a sewer line using traditional trench-reliant methods may take three or more business days.

Who to call when basement drain backs up?

The first step to solving clogged drains is to inspect the floor drain and remove any debris surrounding it. However, if the problem persists, you may need to call a professional plumber to unclog basement floor drain fixtures and fix any damaged parts.

What does it mean when sewage backs up in the basement?

Clogged Sewer Lines

If your basement pipes or main sewer line is clogged, sewage can back up into your home. Determining if it is a backup of the complete sewer system or just one specific pipe is essential. If all toilets and sinks in your home are backed up, then you have a full backup of the sewer system.

How do you unclog a basement drain without a snake?

Cleaning The Trap

Get a cold chisel and drive it against one of notches found in the retaining ring. Turn it in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the backflow ball. Once it is removed, use a wet / dry vacuum to siphon out the stubborn sediments and dirt that have accumulated inside the trap.

How much does it cost to unclog a basement drain?

On average, the cost to snake a drain can range from $100 to $300. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and prices may vary depending on the factors.

Is sewage backup an emergency?

Backed up sewer lines, line breaks, sewage odors, and overflowing manholes are considered an emergency. When a sewage backup is occurring, do not use your toilet, shower, washing machine, or other appliances that send water down a drain.

Will Drano unclog the sewer line?

No, Drano® is not recommended to clear a clogged sewer line. Bottle unclogging solutions are designed for minor clogs and are not strong enough to break up more extensive sewer line blockages.

How do I stop my basement from backing up sewer?

How can you prevent a sewer backup?
  1. Clogged drains. Don't pour fats or oils down the drain as they can harden and clog drains. ...
  2. Heavy rainstorms. Disconnect downspouts, foundation drains and weeping tiles from the municipal drain. ...
  3. Install a backwater valve. ...
  4. Install a sump pump. ...
  5. Check sewer drains.

Can I sue the city for sewer backup?

Tree roots can grow into and obstruct the sewer lines; or extraordinary amounts of rainfall can infiltrate the system and overload it. The courts have made it clear that the city is liable for sewer back-up damages if, and only if, the city's negligence causes damages.

Is it safe to stay in a house with sewage backup?

Sewage backup is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and professional intervention. Due to the health hazards associated with sewage contamination, it is not safe to stay in a house with sewage backup.

How much does a sewer backup cleanup cost?

First, consider the average costs associated with cleaning up after a sewage leak or backup. These averages range from $2,000 – $10,000 depending on the severity and size of the mess. There may also be additional charges related to repairs if damage has been done to your home or property as a result of the spillage.

How to fix a sewer backup?

Quick Fixes for Sewer Backups
  1. Use a Plunger – the easiest and most available drain opener around. ...
  2. Buy a Liquid Drain Cleaner – to unclog a sink or bathtub. ...
  3. Release Pressure - by turning off the water at the main supply first. ...
  4. Chemical Drain Cleaning – help with tree roots blockages.

How common is sewer backup?

Causes of sewer backups

While most basement water problems are not caused by sewer backups, the Civil Engineering Research Foundation reports that the number of backed up sewers is increasing at an alarming rate of about 3 percent annually. There are a number of causes of sewer backups—here are some of the most common.

How to unclog a sewer line in a basement?

When using a sewer rod, direct the rod through the pipe until you reach the obstruction. Push the rod forward and pull it back to break up the clog. Work the auger or rod in both directions of the drain line — back towards the house and out from the house.

Why should you never use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain?

The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.

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