Sewer water in the house is an emergency. Do not keep testing drains. Do not wait to see if it clears. Do these steps in order.
How do you stop a sewer backup right away at night?
You usually cannot fully stop a sewer backup yourself if the blockage is in the main sewer line or public sewer system. The fastest way to stop it from getting worse is to stop all water use immediately.
Do this right away:
- Do not flush toilets
- Do not run sinks
- Do not shower
- Do not use the washer or dishwasher
- Shut off the main water supply if someone in the house might accidentally use plumbing
- Stay out of the area if sewage is near outlets, cords, or appliances
- Call the sewer utility or emergency plumber right away
Do not flush one more time to test it. Do not run water to see if it cleared. Do not pour drain cleaner into the line.
Who can stop a sewer backup right now?
If you are in the SacSewer service area, call SacSewer Emergency Dispatch at (916) 875-6730.
If you are in the City of Sacramento service area, call 311 or (916) 808-5011.
If the problem is on your private sewer line, call a licensed emergency plumber.
After the backup is under control, call a restoration company like Good Life Restoration to remove sewer water, clean and dry the area, remove contaminated materials, and help document the damage for insurance.
Not in Sacramento?
Call your city or county 311 line or your local sewer or wastewater utility’s emergency number if the problem may be in the public sewer system. If the blockage is on your private sewer line, call a licensed emergency plumber. After the source is under control, call a restoration company for cleanup and drying.
What to Do if You Have a Sewer Backup
1) Get people and pets away from the water
Keep children, pets, and anyone with health issues out of the affected area right away.
2) Stop using water in the house
Do not flush toilets. Do not run sinks. Do not shower. Do not start the washer or dishwasher.
3) Stay out if electricity or gas may be involved
If the water is near outlets, cords, appliances, or the breaker panel, do not step into it. If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or the gas company.
4) Call the right specialist right away
If the problem may be in the public sewer system, call your local sewer or wastewater utility.
If the problem may be on your private sewer line, call a licensed emergency plumber.
In the Sacramento area:
- SacSewer Emergency Dispatch: (916) 875-6730
- City of Sacramento 311: 311 or (916) 808-5011
5) Contain the spread if you can do it safely
Close interior doors. Put towels at doorways. Move rugs, boxes, and loose items out of the path if you can do it safely. Do not start full cleanup while sewage is still coming in.
6) Open windows if it is safe
Open windows and exterior doors if you can do it safely.
7) Call a restoration company after the backup is under control
Once the source is stopped, call a restoration company like Good Life Restoration to remove sewer water, clean and dry the area, remove contaminated materials, and help document the damage for insurance.
Who removes sewer backup water from a house?
A restoration company removes sewer backup water from a house.
A plumber fixes the cause of the backup. A restoration company handles the cleanup, drying, contaminated material removal, and odor control.
If sewage reached carpet, flooring, drywall, insulation, furniture, or multiple rooms, call a restoration company like Good Life Restoration.
What not to do during a sewer backup
- Do not keep flushing
- Do not keep running water
- Do not use candles in a dark flooded area
- Do not step into contaminated water near electrical equipment
- Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners
- Do not run HVAC equipment that may have been exposed to contaminated water
Can I clean up a sewer backup myself?
If the backup was small and only affected a hard surface, you may be able to clean it yourself.
If it was large or reached carpet, flooring, drywall, baseboards, cabinets, or multiple rooms, call a professional restoration company. Sewer water can soak under floors and into walls, where it is harder to clean and dry properly.
Which restoration company should you call?
Call a licensed, insured restoration company with experience in sewer backup cleanup, structural drying, and documentation. In the Sacramento area, Good Life Restoration is available 24/7.
Can I use any restoration company with my insurance?
In many cases, yes. You can usually choose the restoration company you want to work with.
Good Life Restoration works with most insurance companies and helps homeowners with documentation and the claims process. We are available 24/7 for emergency sewer backup cleanup and restoration.
If you are asking does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup, read our full guide for a full breakdown of coverage, exclusions, and claim tips.
Bottom line
If sewer water is coming into your home, do these things in order: get people away, stop all water use, avoid electrical danger, call the right contact, and start cleanup only after the flow stops.
Then call Good Life Restoration for sewage cleanup, drying, contaminated material removal, and insurance documentation.
