What Do I Do If My Sewer Backs Up?

There are some plumbing issues that can be delayed for a little while but if you have problems with your sewer line - that's an issue that needs to get fixed right away.

So, what can you do if your sewer backs up?

• For a possible clog, try using a plunger on your sink and/or toilets to clear it
• If you have waste coming into your home, turn off the main water source
• Then turn off your electricity
• Open your windows for ventilation
• Call a professional plumber

In the meantime, if you are up to the task of cleaning out any areas of your home that were affected by the waste water coming you you will need to...

• Put on safety gear (rubber gloves, face mask, goggles, boots)
• Use a shop vacuum to remove liquids and solids in your flooded areas
• Discard all absorbent material that was affected
• Disinfect walls and floors

Otherwise, you can call in a company to professionally clean the area.

These steps are the very basic things that you need to do if your sewer backs up.

Hopefully, you will just have to deal with a clog in your drain pipe or your toilet and a plunger will do the trick.

If not, we strongly recommend you call a professional plumber to assess the situation.

If on the other hand you have a severe sewer back up and waste is coming into your home, the immediate things to do are to turn off your water and electricity and open your windows for ventilation.

Then you can call in a professional plumber to begin the process of fixing the problem(s) that caused the backup in the first place.

Cleaning out the room(s) that were affected by the waste water is up to you. It's a big and messy job and does require specific equipment such as...

• Heavy duty rubber gloves
• A face mask
• Goggles
• Rubber boots that are higher than the area you are cleaning out
• Wet / Dry Shop Vacuum
• Bleach and disinfectants

After the area has been cleaned - you will also have to check for mold and have any drywall, molding, flooring, etc. inspected for possible need of repairs.

What Does It Mean When Your Sewer Backs Up?

There are multiple reasons why a sewer line would back up including:

• a buildup of grease in your sewer lines
• tree roots have invaded your pipes
• clogs caused by objects or debris
• broken pipes
• severe weather causing flooding
• problems with the city sewer pipes

Signs Of A Sewage Backup

Possible signs that you have a clog or problem with your sewer line include:

Gurgling sounds from your drains or toilets.
Water backing up out of drains or toilets.
Water pooling around drains or toilets.
Smell of raw sewage coming from your drains.

Tips On How To Prevent A Sewage Backup

1. Clean out your sewer lines every 18 - 22 months. It's less costly to clean it out before it gets clogged.

2. Avoid pouring grease down your drain pipes (and garbage disposals). Grease can harden and cause a clog.

3. Avoid flushing anything down your toilet with the exception of toilet paper. This includes flushable wipes which are not safe to flush.

4. Check for cracks in your basement / foundation. We recommend waterproofing your crawlspace / basement for more protection.

5. If you don't yet have a sump pump installed in your basement - we do recommend putting one in.

6. Get a professional assessment from a plumber on the current condition of your sewer pipes. If they are old pipes, you may want to consider switching them to PVC piping. Read more about tree roots and PVC piping.

If you have any questions about problems with your sewer system, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.