What to Do If Your Sewer Backs Up into Your House

Discovering a sewer backup in your home is every homeowner’s nightmare. Whether it’s a slow-draining bathtub or raw sewage creeping into your basement, it’s not just disgusting—it’s also dangerous. Knowing what to do immediately can help protect your home, your health, and your wallet.

We’ve pulled together a concise guide on what to do if your sewer backs up into your house so you can manage the situation quickly and safely.

 

 

Immediate Action

If you have a sewage backup in your home, there are a few things you should do immediately to minimize the damage.

 

Turn Off Electricity

If sewage or water has pooled on the floor near electrical outlets, appliances, or your fuse box, turn off electricity at the breaker—but only if it’s safe to do so. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, so avoid stepping into any standing water unless you’re sure the power is off.

 

Contact a Plumbing Professional

Sewer backups are not a DIY project. They require specialized equipment, knowledge, and experience to be properly handled. Contact an expert plumber or your department of public works before attempting any sort of fix yourself.

 

 

Proper Clean-Up Procedures

Sewage isn’t just gross—it contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness. Once the situation is under control, safe cleanup is essential. Here are the basic steps for how to clean up a sewer backup.

1. Wear Protective Gear: You should never be around sewage without the proper protective gear. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, waterproof boots, a mask, and goggles to protect yourself from the hazardous materials.
2. Remove Undamaged Items: If there are any items in the area that have been untouched by the sewage, remove them immediately. To be safe, clean these items with a detergent solution whenever possible.
3. Extract Water: Using a wet-dry vacuum, remove as much contaminated water from the area as possible. This is especially helpful if you have carpeting.
4. Clear Contaminated Items: If there were items contaminated by the sewage, remove them for immediate disposal or cleaning. Some items may be too far gone to be safely cleaned and decontaminated, but others can be saved with a detergent solution. If there is clothing or linens, put them in the wash as soon as possible. In the end, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you aren’t sure whether or not you can fully decontaminate an item, throw it out.
5. Disinfect All Surfaces: Clean all affected areas thoroughly using a disinfectant solution like bleach and water. Porous materials (carpets, insulation, drywall) often need to be removed and replaced.
6. Ventilate the Area: Open windows and use fans to increase airflow and help dry out the space quickly, which helps prevent mold growth. Portable heaters can also help speed up the drying process.

 

 

Health and Safety

Again, sewage can be dangerous. Avoid sewer backup health risks with these tips.

• Avoid contact with contaminated water. Don’t touch or ingest anything that came into contact with the sewage.
• Wash thoroughly. After cleanup, wash your hands, clothes, and any tools used with soap and hot water.
• Watch for symptoms. If anyone in your household experiences nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after a sewer backup, seek medical advice.
• Consider professional remediation. If the damage is extensive or you're unsure how to clean up properly, hire a professional cleanup service that specializes in biohazard removal.
• Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas.
• Check with your insurance company to see if sewer backups are covered under your policy.

 

Sewer backups are disruptive, unpleasant, and potentially dangerous—but a calm, informed response can prevent further damage and protect your family’s health. Understanding what to do if your sewer backs up into your house will help you get your home back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.