Right away

  1. Stop all water use

    No flushing, showers, dishwasher or laundry. Every gallon you use has to go somewhere, and right now it is coming up the lowest drain.

  2. Tell the household

    Make sure nobody upstairs or in another bathroom flushes while you are dealing with it.

  3. Check the cleanout

    Many Anaheim homes have a sewer cleanout outside near the foundation. If its cap shows standing water, the blockage is downstream of that point.

  4. Watch electrical hazards

    Keep out of standing water near outlets or appliances.

  5. Photograph everything

    Record the affected rooms for your insurer before cleanup starts.

Why it happens in Anaheim

Much of Anaheim was built in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and many of those homes still have their original cast-iron or clay sewer laterals. Clay pipe joints let roots in, and cast iron scales and cracks with age. Decades of mature street and yard trees have had plenty of time to find those weak points.

Grease, wipes labeled flushable and paper towels are the other usual suspects. They catch on roots and rough pipe walls and build a plug that eventually stops the whole line.

Yours or the city's?

The lateral from the house to the public sewer is generally the owner's responsibility. Check with the city on exactly where that line is drawn for your street.

  • IfOnly one fixture is slowThenProbably a local clog in that fixture's drain, not the main line.
  • IfThe lowest drains back up when other fixtures are usedThenLikely a blockage in your main drain or lateral.
  • IfNeighbors report the same problem at the same timeThenPossibly a public sewer issue. Contact the city's sewer department.
  • IfThe outside cleanout is dry but the house is backing upThenThe blockage is likely between the fixtures and the cleanout, inside or under the house.

Clearing the line: snake or jetting

Cable machine (snake)

  • Punches a hole through the blockage to restore flow
  • Common first step on an emergency call
  • May leave roots and buildup on the pipe walls

Hydro jetting

  • High-pressure water scours the pipe walls
  • Often suggested for grease and recurring root growth
  • Plumbers usually want to know the pipe's condition first, since badly damaged pipe can be harmed

After the line is flowing

  • Ask for a sewer camera inspection to see roots, cracks or sags.
  • Ask for a copy of the camera recording.
  • Hire a cleanup specialist for sewage-soaked carpet, drywall or insulation.
  • Disinfect hard surfaces the sewage touched.
  • Contact your insurer about the cleanup and any damage.
  • Ask whether a backwater valve or a better cleanout makes sense for your home.

Common questions

Can I use a store-bought drain cleaner on a main line backup?

It is not recommended. Chemicals rarely clear a main line blockage and can make the water dangerous to anyone who has to work in it.

Will the backup clear on its own?

Rarely. Even if the water slowly drains, the blockage is still there and will return the next time a lot of water is used.

Does my homeowners policy cover sewer backup?

Some policies need a specific endorsement. Check your policy or ask your insurer.

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