If sewage comes up a drain
- Stop the water.No flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher. Tell everyone in the house.
- Clear the area.Keep children and pets out. Close the door to the affected room.
- Stop running fixtures.If a toilet keeps running, close its shutoff valve. If water keeps entering the drains, shut off the main water valve.
- Do not use drain chemicals.They will not clear a root blockage and can harm whoever opens the line.
- Call a licensed plumber.Ask for the CSLB license number and check it at cslb.ca.gov.
Fill in for your home
- Main water shutoff location
- ______________________
- Sewer cleanout location
- ______________________
- Lowest drain in the house
- ______________________
- Last main-line clearing date
- ______________________
- Plumber you have checked at cslb.ca.gov
- ______________________
- Insurance policy number
- ______________________
Facts to have ready when you call
- Which drains are affected and which still work.
- Whether sewage has entered living space.
- Where the cleanout is, or that there is none.
- Approximate age of the house.
- History of root problems or past camera findings.
Where to post it
Tape the card inside the cabinet under the kitchen sink or in the laundry area, and save a photo of it on each household member's phone. If you rent the home out or have a house sitter, leave a copy for them too.
Review the card once a year. Shutoff valves get buried behind stored items, and the cleanout can disappear under new landscaping, so walk to each spot and make sure it is still easy to reach.
Practice questions for the household
- Can everyone find the main water shutoff and close it?
- Does everyone know not to flush during a backup?
- Who calls the plumber, and who keeps kids and pets away?
Common questions
Should I shut off the main water during a sewer backup?
It is not always necessary if everyone stops using water, but it is a reliable way to stop running toilets or appliances from adding water to the drains.
What if I cannot find the cleanout?
Write that on the card. The plumber can access the line another way, and you can ask about adding a cleanout later.
Is this card enough for a gas emergency too?
No. If you ever smell gas, leave the building and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside. That is separate from a sewer backup.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.