What to do when water is backing up?

Author: Elmo Fisher  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Emergencies never happen when we are ready for them, but you can be prepared with our seven-step guide for handling sewage backups.
  1. Call an Expert. ...
  2. Protect Yourself. ...
  3. Shut Off the Water. ...
  4. Do Not Use Drains. ...
  5. Find the Capped Pipe. ...
  6. Air It Out. ...
  7. Notify Your Insurance Company.

How do I stop water from backing up?

If you do not have a backwater valve, plugs with backflow devices can be installed in floor drains. These plugs have a ball or float that will stop water or sewage from backing up into a home while permitting water to flow into the drain. These plugs can be left in place year-round.

What to do when water is turned back on?

– If your water service has been shut off and recently restored, your pipes need to be flushed for 30 minutes to ensure your safety. Water sitting stagnant in pipes may contain lead, copper and other sediments that are not safe for drinking and cooking.

Is it safe to stay in a house with a sewer 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.

What to do if drains are backing up?

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.

Water Backing Up?

How to unclog backed up pipes?

First, you can run hot water down the drain for 5 to 10 minutes to see if that helps break up the clog. If it doesn't, pour equal parts of vinegar and baking soda into a bowl and then pour that mixture down the drain. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then run hot water down the drain.

How to report drain blockage?

OPTION 2: Contact the City's customer call centre on tel: 0860 103 089 or email [email protected]. The service is available 24/7 with assistance in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa. OPTION 3: Log a service request on the City's self-help service website www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer back-up?

While homeowners insurance protects you against some forms of unexpected water damage, water back-ups and sump pump overflows are usually not covered. You may purchase optional water back-up coverage that may pay for damages in the case of sewage back-up or a malfunctioning sump pump.

Is it safe to sleep in a house with sewer gas?

In extremely high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can cause loss of consciousness and death. Suffocation: High concentrations of methane in enclosed areas decrease the amount of oxygen in the air and can cause suffocation. Symptoms of a lack of oxygen include: Dizziness.

How to clean up after sewer back-up?

Wash contaminated surfaces and objects with warm, soapy water and disinfect with a bleach and water solution made of no more than 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. For objects that would be damaged by bleach, use a home or laundry disinfectant. Make sure to read and follow label instructions. Do not use ammonia.

How to flush pipes in a house?

Begin the flushing procedure by opening the hot water taps in your bathroom(s). Open ALL hot water sink fixtures, hot water bathtub or shower fixtures. Next, open all other hot water fixtures, such as in kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run all of these hot water fixtures for 15 minutes, then shut the water off.

Should I open faucets when turning water back on?

Never turn the handle quickly. After the water supply is back on, open each faucet, one at a time, and let the water run for a couple of minutes to restore water pressure and flush out any lingering air in the plumbing system.

Is it bad to shut off the main water valve?

First, locate the mains water supply valve in your home. You should know where this is anyway, in case there is a plumbing emergency. The valve should have a wheel control or lever handle to open and close it. It is perfectly safe to turn it off by either turning the wheel clockwise or closing the lever.

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 much does a backflow valve cost?

According to homeadvisor, on average, homeowners pay between $135 and $1,000. The backflow prevention device can range from $35 to $600, labor fee could cost between $100 and $400. While backwater or check valve including installation, costs range between $70 and $250.

Can you stay in a house with sewer back up?

Quickly handling sewage backups is important for everyone's safety. If left untreated, it can cause more health problems and damage to the house. It's not something you should ignore. Living in a house with sewage backup is very risky.

What are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning?

Irritated eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, including tearing of eyes, cough, or shortness of breath. Effects may be delayed. Severe eye and respiratory irritation such as coughing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and more.

Can sewer gas come up through the toilet?

Yes, sewer gas can come up through the toilet if there is a problem with the plumbing system.

How much does a sewer backup cost?

The Expenses Involved in Sewer Backup Cleanup

In total, wastewater cleanup and restoration falls between $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the spill. It may even cost up to $50,000 in some rare cases, especially if it involves serious plumbing issues.

Why is plumbing not covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance typically won't cover plumbing problems that are considered preventable. Neglect would be a reason you might not be covered. For example, if your pipes have been leaking for weeks or months and it is visible and apparent, insurance likely won't cover the damage.

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.

Who pays for blocked sewer?

Property owners are responsible for the pipes in the homes and the ones connecting to our sewers. A blockage may be the property owner's responsibility if: Only one home is having problems. The property doesn't share a drain with any others.

How much does it cost to fix a drain line blockage?

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.

What do plumbers do for clogged drains?

Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.

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