What to Do If Your Sewer Backs Up

A sewer backup is one of the more serious things that can go wrong in a house. It damages property, and sewage carries bacteria and viruses that make people sick. What you do in the first hour matters, and so does knowing whose pipe has failed.

Right Now

1. Stop using water. No flushing, no sinks, no showers, no washer or dishwasher. Every gallon you add has to go somewhere, and the lowest opening in the house is where it comes out.
2. Keep people and pets away from the affected area. Consider leaving the house if sewage has reached living areas, especially with young children, older adults, or anyone with a weak immune system.
3. Turn off power in wet areas from the breaker if water or sewage is near outlets, appliances, or the panel. Do not step into standing water to reach it. If the panel is wet, stay clear and call your electric utility.
4. Check the other fixtures. Note which ones are backing up and which are fine. It tells the plumber where the blockage probably is.
5. Call for help. The phone line at (770) 285-5619 is answered 24/7, and we will connect you with a local plumber. Say that sewage is coming into the house and tell them where.

Whose Pipe Is It?

This decides who fixes it, and it is worth checking early.

• Is it just your house? Ask a neighbor. If several houses on the street are backing up, the problem is likely in the county's main. Call Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources and report it.
• Is sewage coming out of a manhole in the street or yard? That is on the county side. Call DWR.
• Is it only in your house? The blockage is probably in your lateral, the pipe from the house to the main. That generally belongs to the homeowner, and the plumber is the right call. Ask DWR to confirm where your responsibility ends if you are unsure.

Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources serves most of the county's sewer. In some places, such as the City of Buford, the city runs its own system. Your sewer bill shows who your provider is. If you are not sure, call the plumber line and ask the plumber to check once they arrive.

What a Plumber Will Look For

The usual causes of a whole-house backup:

• Tree roots in the lateral, especially in older clay pipe and around separated joints
• Grease buildup from kitchen drains
• Wipes, paper towels, and other items that were flushed
• A collapsed or broken pipe, common in older clay and cast iron
• A belly in the line where water and solids collect
• A blockage in the county main, which is not your pipe

Older Gwinnett neighborhoods such as parts of Lilburn and Snellville tend to have older clay and cast iron pipes. Newer subdivisions have PVC, which fails less often and is more likely to clog from grease or roots at a joint. A camera inspection settles which it is. Ask for the footage and for the line to be inspected past the blockage, not just to it.

Cleanup Basics

Large cleanups are for professionals, but there are some basics.

• Wear protection. Rubber boots, gloves, and a mask if you have to be in the area.
• Ventilate. Open windows and run fans if the power is safe.
• No chemical mixing. Do not mix bleach or other chemicals with sewage. It can make dangerous fumes.
• Porous materials usually go. Carpet, padding, drywall, and insulation that touched sewage generally have to be removed.
• Photograph everything before cleanup, for your insurance.
• Know the limits. Small spills on hard surfaces can be disinfected. Sewage in carpet, walls, or a finished basement calls for professional cleanup.

Mold can start within a day or two in damp materials. Tell your insurer early and ask what documentation they want.

Questions to Ask the Plumber

• Can the line be cleared tonight, and will you run a camera afterward to see why it backed up?
• What did you find, and can I see the footage?
• Is this likely to come back? Is it a clog or a damaged pipe?
• If it is damaged, what are my options, and what is the price before you start? See sewer line repair for how repairs work.
• Do you recommend jetting, and why? See hydro jetting.

You can also ask for the plumber's Georgia license number and verify it yourself.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every backup. These steps help:

• Never pour grease down the drain. Let it cool and put it in the trash.
• Flush only toilet paper. Wipes marked flushable still belong in the garbage.
• Know where your cleanout is, and keep the area around it clear.
• Have the line inspected if you have older pipes, large trees near the sewer path, or repeated slow drains.
• Keep large trees away from the sewer path when you plant.

Related: why drains back up in Lawrenceville homes, how to unclog a drain fast, and when to call for sewer line repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a sewer backup an emergency?

Yes. Sewage carries harmful bacteria and viruses, and it can ruin floors and walls. Stop using water, keep people away, and call a plumber right away.

Whose responsibility is a sewer backup, mine or the county's?

If sewage is coming out of a manhole in the street, or several neighbors are backing up, call Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources. If it is only your house, the lateral is generally yours. Ask DWR where your responsibility ends.

What causes sewer backups?

Tree roots, grease buildup, flushed items, collapsed or broken pipe, and blockages in the main. A camera inspection shows which.

Can I clean up sewage myself?

Small spills on hard surfaces can be cleaned with protection and disinfectant. Sewage in carpet, walls, or a finished basement needs professional remediation to prevent illness and mold.

How long does it take to fix a sewer backup?

A simple clog can be cleared quickly. A collapsed pipe or root damage may need excavation and more time. Ask the plumber for a schedule once the camera shows the cause.