Sewage Backup in Your Home: Safety Steps Before Cleanup

The first hour

Right away: Stop all water use in the house: no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher. Every gallon used adds to the backup.
Next: Move people and pets away. Close doors to the affected room if you can do so without walking through the water.
Then: Note where the water came from: a floor drain, tub, toilet or cleanout. That tells the plumber where to look.
Before cleanup: Take photos for your records and any insurance claim, from a safe spot.
Once the line is cleared: Arrange cleaning and drying of contaminated materials.

Clearing the drain and cleaning the house are different jobs

A plumber clears the blockage, usually from an outdoor cleanout, so the sewage stops rising and the house can drain. That does not clean or disinfect floors, carpet, drywall or cabinets. Porous materials that soaked up sewage often need to be removed and replaced, which is usually handled by a water damage or remediation contractor.

If the backup was small and limited to a hard tile or vinyl floor, a careful homeowner cleanup with gloves, eye protection and a disinfectant may be enough. Larger backups, soaked carpet or water inside walls are a different scale of problem.

If you clean a small backup yourself

Wear waterproof gloves, boots and eye protection.
Remove standing water and solids before disinfecting.
Clean hard surfaces with detergent, then disinfect following the product label.
Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
Bag and discard contaminated rags, rugs and items that cannot be disinfected.
Wash clothing separately in hot water and wash hands thoroughly.

Who to call

IfSewage is still rising or the house cannot drainThenA licensed plumber to clear the line.
IfSewage soaked carpet, drywall or cabinetsThenA water damage or remediation contractor in addition to the plumber.
IfSewage is coming from a public manhole or the streetThenReport it to the City of Anaheim; the public sewer main is generally the city's to maintain.
IfWater reached electrical outlets or panelsThenStay out of the area and have power to that area shut off safely before anyone enters.

Questions for the plumber after the line is clear

What caused the backup, and where was the blockage?
Would a camera inspection show whether the pipe is damaged?
Is a backwater valve or an added cleanout worth discussing for this house?
What should I avoid sending down the drains while the cause is fixed?

Common questions

Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backups?

Coverage varies widely and often depends on an optional endorsement. Check your own policy and talk to your insurer; photos and the plumber's written findings help with any claim.

How do I know if the backup is the city's problem?

If neighbors are also backing up, or sewage is overflowing from a street manhole, the public main may be involved. Contact the city. If it is only your house, the blockage is most often in your own lateral.

Can I use the house while waiting for a plumber?

Avoid using any water that goes down a drain. Sinks and toilets upstream of the clog will add to the backup.

General information for Anaheim, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.