How to Handle a Sewer Backup

Sewage contains dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites—do not wade through it without rubber boots and gloves at minimum. Keep children and pets away. If sewage contacts your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention if you feel ill after exposure. Safety first, then address the plumbing.

Sewage contains dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Do not wade through sewage water without protective gear—rubber boots and gloves at minimum. Keep children and pets away from affected areas. If sewage contacts your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention if you feel ill after exposure.

Stop using all water immediately—every flush and drain use adds to the backup. Do not flush toilets, run sinks, or use any drains until the backup is cleared. If backup is severe, shut off water to the home. Turn off HVAC to prevent spreading contaminated air throughout the house.

Do not flush toilets, run sinks, or use any drains until the backup is cleared—you'll only make flooding worse. If the backup is severe, shut off water to the home. Turn off the HVAC system to prevent spreading contaminated air throughout the house.

Open windows to ventilate—sewage gases (hydrogen sulfide) are hazardous at high concentrations. Turn off electricity to affected areas if safe. Document all damage with photos and video from a safe distance for insurance purposes. Make a list of damaged items before any cleanup begins.

Open windows to ventilate the area—sewage gases are hazardous. Turn off electricity to affected areas if safe to do so. Document all damage with photos and video from a safe distance for insurance purposes. Make a list of damaged items.

Call an emergency plumber to diagnose and clear the main line blockage. For significant sewage contamination, call a professional restoration company for safe cleanup—they have proper equipment and training. Contact your insurance company; check if you have sewer backup coverage (it's usually an add-on). Never DIY clean significant sewage.

Call an emergency plumber to diagnose and clear the main line blockage. For significant sewage contamination, call a professional water damage restoration company—they have the equipment and training for safe cleanup. Contact your insurance company—sewer backup coverage is an add-on, so check your policy. Do not attempt DIY cleanup of significant sewage contamination.