The first hour
- Stop all water use.No flushing, showers, laundry or dishwashing. Water from anywhere in the house can come out at the lowest drain.
- Tell everyone in the house.Make sure nobody runs water by habit, and post a note on bathroom doors if needed.
- Shut off the main if water is running.If a fixture is running or overflowing and cannot be stopped, close the main water shutoff to the house.
- Keep electricity in mind.If sewage is near outlets, cords or appliances, stay clear of them.
- Find the cleanout.Look for a capped pipe near the foundation or in the front yard. Do not force the cap if the line may be full and under pressure.
- Call a licensed plumber.Ask for the line to be cleared and then inspected on camera once it is flowing.
Clues that it is the main line, not one drain
- Sewage appears in a shower, tub or floor drain on the lowest level
- Toilets gurgle when another fixture drains
- More than one fixture is slow at the same time
- Water rises from the yard cleanout
- The problem started after heavy water use, such as laundry
From backup to a decision
- Now
- Stop water use, protect people, and get the line cleared.
- Right after clearing
- Camera-inspect the line while access is open, and ask for the video.
- Next few days
- Arrange cleanup of affected areas and document damage for any insurance claim.
- Before replacement
- Review the footage, check licenses, and compare written estimates.
Do not let urgency make the big decision
Once the line is flowing again, there is usually time to make a considered choice about replacement. Clearing the line solves the immediate emergency; bursting or lining is a separate project. If someone pushes for a same-day replacement contract during the backup, it is reasonable to ask for the camera video and take time to review it.
If the line cannot be cleared, for example because a section has collapsed, the timeline is tighter. Even then, ask to see the footage of where the camera stopped and get the plan and price in writing.
Questions to ask the plumber who clears the line
- What did the cable or jetter hit, and at what distance?
- Can you run a camera now while the line is open?
- Is this roots, a break, a belly or something flushed?
- Is the line safe to use normally again for now?
Common questions
Should I pour drain chemicals into a sewer backup?
No. Chemicals rarely clear a main line blockage and can make the job more hazardous for whoever clears it.
Can I clean up the sewage myself?
Small amounts can be handled with gloves, boots and disinfectant, but larger contamination is best handled by a cleanup professional. Keep vulnerable people away either way.
Does a single backup mean I need a new sewer line?
Not necessarily. Some backups come from a one-time blockage. The camera inspection after clearing tells you whether the pipe itself is failing.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.