Why is my water backing up?

Author: Miss Magdalen Jacobs III  |  Last update: Thursday, December 4, 2025

The cause of water backing up in your basement drain could be due to the backing up of a washtub basin or a washing machine, tree roots in the drain line, pipe deterioration, or the flushing of improper objects.

What to do when water is backing 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.

Why does my water keep coming back up?

So, when you notice water backing up through the plug hole instead of smoothly draining away, it's a cause for concern. This unexpected issue is a clear sign of a problem in your drainage system, most likely a stubborn blockage.

How do you clear a backed up sewer line?

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.

What would cause plumbing to back up?

Common reasons for a blockage include tree roots, cooking oil and grease buildup or because objects other than toilet paper have been flushed. To repair or replace a sewer pipe: Contact a side sewer contractor. They can repair and/or replace side sewer defects, such as breaks or holes.

Water Backing Up?

How do I stop my plumbing from backing up?

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.

Does insurance cover sewer backup?

Sewer backups can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Unfortunately, most homeowners are not covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy.

When I flush my toilet, water comes up in my sink.?

A mild blockage refers to a clog in the toilet, which is often the first reason you experience drained water returning through the other outlets. When an obstruction is in the toilet, the water you flush down the outlet will find other outlets to use, eventually leading the water to come out of the sink or tub.

How much does it cost to clear a clogged sewer line?

Plumber Drain Snaking Costs

Simple sink, shower, or toilet clogs – $100 to $250 per drain. Kitchen sink or laundry drain cleanout – $150 to $275 average cost. Main sewer line augering – $200 to $500 per cleaning. Extensive sewervideo inspection & repairs – $400 to $1,000+

How to clear blocked water pipes at home?

How to Clean Your House Water Pipeline: A Simple and Effective Guide
  1. i. Turn Off the Water Supply. ...
  2. ii. Drain the Water. ...
  3. i. Remove Faucet Aerators and Showerheads. ...
  4. ii. Flushing the Pipes. ...
  5. i. Use a Disinfecting Solution. ...
  6. ii. Allow the Solution to Sit. ...
  7. i. Flush the Pipes. ...
  8. ii. Reinstall Faucet Aerators and Showerheads.

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.

Why do I keep bringing water back up?

Water brash, heartburn and regurgitation are all symptoms of GERD, the chronic form of acid reflux. As unpleasant as these symptoms feel, they're usually manageable with lifestyle changes and medications. Most people find relief by taking medications and changing their eating habits.

Why does water retention keep coming back?

Causes of water retention. The human body uses a complex system to regulate its water levels. Hormonal factors, the cardiovascular system, the urinary system, the liver, and the kidneys all play a role. If there is a problem with any of these parts, the body may be unable to expel fluid as it should.

How do I know if my sewer line is clogged?

10 Signs Your Sewer Line Is Clogged
  1. Multiple Fixtures Are Clogged. ...
  2. Flushing the Toilet Causes Water to Come Up Elsewhere. ...
  3. Water Draining From Your Washing Machine Causes an Overflow in Other Locations. ...
  4. Drainage at the Cleanout. ...
  5. Slow-Draining Sinks or Toilets. ...
  6. Frequent Plunging. ...
  7. Bubbles in Your Toilet Water. ...
  8. Dark Water.

Why did my water come back up?

Water Backing Up: Water coming back up from the shower, tub, or sink drains, especially when you flush the toilet, is a clear indicator of a clog in your sewer line. Wet Floor Drains: If the floor drain in your laundry room or basement is wet or overflowing, this could be an early sign of a sewer backup.

How do I fix my main sewer line 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 much does it cost to clear a clogged sewer?

The average cost of drain jetting is around £70 to £175. Drain jetting is the preferred method for professional as it enables them to conduct a thorough clean to get rid of any problematic blockages. It will also clear out any other debris which will prevent any future drain issues.

Will Drano unclog a main sewer line?

With a clogged basement drain, pouring Drano or similar products down your sewer drain can actually damage your pipes or the glue holding them together, causing more sewer system problems in the future.

What is the cheapest way to replace a sewer line?

Trenchless sewer repairs, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, are typically 30-40% less expensive than traditional excavation and less invasive. Traditional excavation, which involves digging a trench to access the damaged pipe, is usually more expensive and can cause significant damage to your yard.

When I flush the toilet the water comes back up?

Possible Causes

The most common cause of water backup is a clog in a sewer line. This can be the result of flushing things that aren't supposed to be flushed such as toys and feminine products or a grease buildup. Invasive tree roots can also cause blocked pipes.

How to unclog main sewer line?

Mix 1/3 of a cup of vinegar with 1/3 of a cup of baking soda and pour the fizzy mixture into the clogged sewer drain immediately. If you don't know how to unclog main sewer line, take advantage of vinegar to eliminate the grime, grease, and hair in the pipe. Flush the pipe with hot water after one hour.

How to stop water from coming back up a drain?

Test balls, twist plugs or pressure plugs can be installed to seal floor drains but will not let water flow in either direction. If plugs are not available, a flexible rubber ball that is just larger than the pipe diameter can be used in an emergency but will need to be braced in place.

What is one thing you can do to avoid a sewer backup?

Avoid Putting Fat, Oil, and Grease Down the Drain

FOG (fat, oil and grease) clogs are by far the most common source of sewage backups, which is why you should always try to keep these things out of your drains.

Does homeowners insurance cover a collapsed sewer line?

Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.

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.

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