how do you get rid of sewer backup in basement

How to Clean Up Sewer Backup in the Basement

• 1. Protect Yourself First Sewage cleanup exposes you to highly contaminated black water, so suit up in personal protection gear before you get started. ...
• 2. Protect the Rest of the House ...
• 3. Identify and Drain ...
• 4. Clear Out Everything ...
• 5. Be Ready to Shovel ...
• 6. Pull Up Flooring ...
• 7. Finish With a Wet Vac ...
• 8. Scrub and Rinse ...

Full Answer

How to handle a sewer backup in your basement?

What to Do Immediately After Finding a Sewage Backup in Your Basement

• If there’s basement flooding, ( standing water, or overflow) turn off the electricity in the flooded area.
• Shut off the water line
• Wear protective gear like a facemask and boots if you have to walk through sewage water.
• Avoid using your toilets and sinks for the time being to prevent toilet overflowing and further sewer backup.
• Call for help

What causes a sewer backup in your basement?

WHAT TO DO FOR A SEWER BACKUP

1. The first thing to do is to try and find the blockage. Check the toilets and sinks for signs of a blockage.
2. If you do have a blockage, using the toilets or sinks will simply cause more sewage to back up into your home.
3. If the backup has leaked into the basement of your home (chances are it will be) then check the cleanout cap.

More items...

What causes a sewage backup in the basement?

What Causes a Sewage Backup in the Basement?

1. Broken Sewage Lines. Broken sewage lines result in a sewage backup. ...
2. Clogged Sewage Lines. The next reason for a sewage backup might be clogged sewage lines. ...
3. Tree Roots Near Sewage Lines. Although this next cause might seem out of the ordinary, it’s not. ...
4. Washing Machine Backups. ...
5. Floor Drain Backups. ...
6. Toilet, Shower, and Bathtub Backups. ...

How to unclog a sewer drain in basement?

Unclogging a Basement Floor Drain

1. Plunger A bathroom go-to, this easy solution to bathroom issues is a classic. ...
2. Gentle Abrasive Cleaners Similar to if you were trying to get a stain out of a shirt or remove some grit from your tile grout, a gentle abrasive can ...
3. Drain Snake

How do you clean up sewage backup in basement?

How to Clean Up Sewer Backup in the BasementProtect Yourself First. ... Protect the Rest of the House. ... Identify and Drain. ... Clear Out Everything. ... Be Ready to Shovel. ... Pull Up Flooring. ... Finish With a Wet Vac. ... Scrub and Rinse.More items...•

What causes sewer to backup in basement?

What Causes a Sewage Backup? Clogs, buildups in pipes from grease, or improperly flushed items, such as paper towels or single-use wipes, are common causes of sewage backup. Damage to the sewer lines can also cause a sewage backup because it prevents water from flowing correctly.

Is sewage backup covered by homeowners insurance?

Does homeowners insurance include sewer backup coverage? No, a homeowners insurance policy does not automatically include sewer backup coverage. However, many home insurance companies offer it as an optional coverage, or endorsement, which is an add-on to the standard homeowners insurance policy.

What do you do if your sewer line is backed up?

Quick Fixes for Sewer BackupsUse a Plunger – the easiest and most available drain opener around. ... Buy a Liquid Drain Cleaner – to unclog a sink or bathtub. ... Release Pressure - by turning off the water at the main supply first. ... Chemical Drain Cleaning – help with tree roots blockages.More items...•

How do I know if my main sewer line is clogged?

4 Signs Your Main Sewer Line Is CloggedSign #1: Multiple drains are backing-up.Sign #2: Drainage appears in sewer clean out.Sign #3: Sewage in floor drain.Sign #4: Water backs up in shower when toilet flushes.

How do you clear a sewer line?

Steps For How to Clear A Main Sewer Line ClogLoosen the Drain Pipe Cap (Cleanout Pipe) The first step is to find your main drain cleanout location. ... Remove Cap, Allow Build-Up to Drain. Once you remove the cleanout cap, step away quickly. ... Insert the Snake into Pipe. ... Run the Tool Until Clog Is Gone. ... Clean Up.

Can rain cause sewage backup in house?

When there are heavy rains or rapid snowmelt, an abundance of water and debris end up in municipal sanitary sewers, which overloads the sewer system. If it's more water than the sewer system can handle, excess water can flow backward into your home's sewer line and subsequently overflow into your basement.

Are underground pipes covered by home insurance?

Underground pipes within your property lines are considered to be part of the home and therefore insurable by your home insurance. If your insurance company offers any endorsements to insure these pipes, you may want to add them to your policy for the most possible coverage.

Is sewer backup covered by flood insurance?

Water backup from an outside sewer or drain though you can typically purchase sewer or water backup coverage as an extra coverage on your homeowner's policy to protect against this type of damage. Flood; no coverage is offered for flood damage no matter the source of water.

How do I unclog my main sewer without a cleanout?

All you need to do is take a cupful of baking soda and pour it down the drain. Consequently, pour a cupful of white vinegar down the same drain. Thereafter, wait for around 10-15 minutes for the baking soda and vinegar solution to break up and clear the clog.

How much does it cost to unclog main sewer line?

between $350 and $650The national average cost to unclog a main sewer line is between $350 and $650, with most people paying around $475 to clean a mid-sized clog by hydro jetting the main sewer pipe between a house and municipal main line.

Does washing machine drain into sewer line?

If you live in a city or subdivision with a municipal sewer system, then water from your washing machine flows to the same sewer line that your toilets, sinks, and showers drain into. This is the main sewer line. From there, the water will flow to a treatment plant.

What is sewage backup insurance?

Essentially, sewer backup insurance provides financial protection to your home against damages related to water that backs up (sewer backups) through your plumbing system. In many cases, sewer backup coverage is an extension, add-on, or endorsement to your regular homeowners policy.

What is water backup on homeowners insurance?

Water backup insurance provides coverage for damage to your property caused by a clogged sewer line, failed sump pump and backed up drains. It also covers mold damage to your home caused by water or sewer backup.

Is sump pump failure covered under homeowners insurance?

For a standard homeowners insurance policy, the simple answer to that question is "no." On many policies, water damage or a flooded basement from a sump pump failure, overflow, or sewer backup is considered an uncovered peril.

Does homeowners insurance cover roots intruding in sewer lines?

Most policies specifically exclude damage from sewer backups. And the most common causes of sewer line damage, including corrosion and tree-root invasion, are considered gradual conditions or wear and tear, which are also generally not covered by homeowners insurance.

How do I unclog the main drain in my basement?

The first thing you should do is turn off the water supply to the main line. Next, remove all debris from the drain. Then, pour hot water down the...

What can I pour down my main drain to unclog?

If you have a clogged main drain, you should pour some vinegar or baking soda down the drain. Baking soda is a natural product that will help break...

How to unclog a basement drain to unclog?

Pour a pot of boiling hot water down the drain followed by ½ cup baking soda and let it sit for a couple minutes. Then pour one cup of vinegar on t...

How to clean a sewer backup?

Once you have the backup fixed and your sewer drain is unclogged, you’ll need to clean the affected area. Wearing protective equipment, remove residual water using a wet dry vacuum. If there isn’t too much standing water, you could also use old towels that you’re willing to throw away afterward or even paper towels. Make sure to remove as much sewage water as possible as this will help prevent mold.

Why is it important to deal with sewage backups in basements?

If you find a sewage backup in your basement, it’s crucial to deal with it in a timely fashion because exposure to sewage can make you sick. But if you take the proper safety precautions by wearing the right gear and work on solving the problem immediately, your risk of illness is much lower.

What to use to unclog a drain?

A drain snake is a great tool to unclog plumbing fixtures, but if you don’t have one, you could use a hose or plunger to clear a clogged drain.

What causes sewage backup?

What Causes a Sewage Backup? Clogs, buildups in pipes from grease, or improperly flushed items, such as paper towels or single-use wipes, are common causes of sewage backup. Damage to the sewer lines can also cause a sewage backup because it prevents water from flowing correctly.

Why does sewage back up into my basement?

When this happens, the sewage backs up into the basement because it’s the lowest point in the house, and those sewer drains are the easiest means of escape for the excess water.

Why are sewer lines aging?

You may not know this, but pipes are aging fast. This is because in the past they were made of cast iron and clay piping which doesn’t last very long. Aging sewage systems can break down and crack, causing a host of problems including backups that result in flooded basements. The increase in the number of homes connected to already aging sewer lines has also contributed greatly towards these rapid increases we’re seeing today.

What to do if your basement is flooded?

If there’s basement flooding, (standing water, or overflow) turn off the electricity in the flooded area . Shut off the water line. Wear protective gear like a facemask and boots if you have to walk through sewage water. Avoid using your toilets and sinks for the time being to prevent toilet overflowing and further sewer backup.

Why Sewers Back Up

In your basement, sewage backup is most likely caused by four main factors.

Sewage Exposure Dangers

To avoid sewage exposure, you should be aware of the risks you face when you clean sewage in your basement. A sewer backup contains contaminated water full of dangerous bacteria and diseases.

What To Do If Your Sewer Backs Up In Basement

Before beginning your sewage cleanup, you have to take care of important details, such as making it clear that no one is to enter the affected area; especially anyone with medical issues and children. Open as many windows as possible, pre-treat the flooded areas with chlorine bleach (see below) and call your insurance company.

How To Clean Up Sewage In A Basement

Fixing basement water damage as soon as possible is imperative to save your foundation and belongings.

How To Remove Sewage Smell

You should inspect your drains, vents, and pipes if your basement smells like sewage after you’ve cleaned it thoroughly. If you notice a sewage smell in basements, you first have to identify the offending source of the smell.

When To Call A Professional

You may wonder who to call when basement floods happen. If your basement flood results in an outbreak of mold – call a professional. If your basement flooding involves sewage – call a professional. If the water damage in your basement has seeped into your walls and flooring, warping them beyond repair – call a professional.

Why Choose HRS Restoration Services

HRS Restoration Services is a top rated restoration company. We’re ready to respond 24/7, and our team is experienced in fixing your flooded basement. From water damage restoration in Denver and mold remediation and reconstruction – we’ve got you covered.

What happens when you clean up standing water from a sewer backup?

When cleaning up standing water from a sewer backup, you’ll probably notice black water sewage in your basement or on your floor. This water is filled with potential pathogens and other organic debris that can be harmful to your health, which makes water cleanup more complicated with sewage than another type of water overflow.

What to use to clean up water from a sewer line?

For smaller spills, a wet vac may be an option. Towels and other absorbent material can be used to sop up moisture and pull it from porous surfaces that have absorbed the water. When the sewer water is standing, a sewer technician may be able to facilitate drainage by clearing out the blockage in the sewer line that caused the backup to occur.

What does it mean when a basement drain smells?

After a sewer backup has been cleaned in your basement, you may notice a lingering smell coming from your basement sewer drain. This is likely the result of lingering sewage backup in the basement floor drain. Fortunately, this is fairly easy to clean.

How to get rid of sewage smell in drain?

The first thing you can try is dumping a gallon of water into the drain to flush out any remaining sewage. You can mix a small amount of bleach into the water to kill off bacteria that may be creating the smell or use a scented cleaner to cover the foul smell with a more pleasant aroma. This should alleviate the intensity of the smell, and you should notice continued dissipation of sewage smell during the next few days.

What is the best way to disinfect a sewer line?

You may use a combination of floor mops, sponges, and other cleaning materials to disinfect surfaces. Clean everything touched by sewer water , including floors, walls, and other surfaces.

Can you tackle a sewer mess on your own?

Don’t attempt to tackle a sewer mess on your own—especially when a blockage in your sewer line needs to be repaired. Contact local sewer cleanup services today to find a technician who can quickly visit your home, fix the sewer backup, and get you started on the cleanup process.

Can you recover a carpet soaked in sewage?

Remove and dispose of any carpet soaked by sewage. The level of soiling will likely make it impossible to recover any basement carpet.

How can I protect my basement from future plumbing problems?

So you’re probably wondering, “How do I protect my basement from future plumbing concerns?” One way to accomplish this task is by being proactive with your plumbing fixtures by using cleaners to regulate the flow of water.

How to fix a smelly drain?

The simplest solution is to replace the cleanout piece. Remove the grate on the drain to check the condition of it first. If it’s cracked or missing altogether, then purchase a new one from the store. Otherwise, search for other causes of the bad smell.

Why does my floor drain smell like sewage?

Another common source of sewage smell in your floor drain may come from the cleanout plug. This tool directs sewage water to flow down into the sewage pipe rather than collecting it inside of the drain itself. If something damages the plug, or it cracks with typical wear and tear, then there’s nothing preventing the sewer gas from coming back up into your home.

What is the best way to remove a septic system smell?

Use this basement odor eliminator with the dynamite duo of vinegar and baking soda whenever you notice an unpleasant smell or if water is draining too slowly in sinks, showers, or the toilet.

Why does my basement ejector pit need a seal?

The ejector pit requires a firm seal to keep out the gas, so check it for cracks and potential damage. Another issue arises from cracks in the pipes. The wastewater leaks down into the ground from the sewer system and into the sump pump. This sump pump is what keeps your basement dry from the beginning.

Why does my basement smell like poop?

One significant possibility your basement smells like poop is due to a dried-up water trap. These are located on the basement floor inside drains and keep the room from flooding. These traps regularly hold a small amount of water to seal the pipe line and keep out that foul odor wreaking havoc on your basement.

What happens if a toilet p-trap is broken?

A broken p-trap on a toilet or kitchen sink, for example, may push the sewer gases back up into the air instead of trapping them in the pipes as their design intends. Equally, a damaged toilet flange or wax ring causes just as many problems. If the seal is broken, replacing it is crucial.

How to get rid of sewer smell in bathroom?

Check for a cleanout plug inside the floor drain to get rid of a sewer smell in bathroom or laundry room. Remove the grate that covers the opening and make sure there’s a plug inside the drain bowl. If the plug is missing, there’s a direct path for sewer gas to bypass the water trap. Sometimes, the plugs are removed to clean sewer lines ...

Why does my basement smell like sewer?

If you notice a foul sewer smell in your house or basement, here are the five possible causes in order of probability: You have a water trap under a floor drain, laundry tub or wash basin that has dried out from lack of use. Water in any trap under unused drains will eventually evaporate. That would allow sewer gas to come up through ...

What happens if a toilet plug is missing?

If the plug is missing, there’s a direct path for sewer gas to bypass the water trap. Sometimes, the plugs are removed to clean sewer lines and not replaced. Buy a replacement plug at a hardware store. It’s less likely, but the water in the toilet trap also could have evaporated. Weeks of disuse could cause this.

What to do if you can't detect a leak?

If you can’t detect the leak, contact a plumber who specializes in hunting down leaks. Here are some other tips to eliminate sewer smells and unpleasant odors. Originally Published: July 26, 2019. Newsletter Unit.

Can a toilet trap evaporate water?

It’s less likely , but the water in the toilet trap also could have evaporated. Weeks of disuse could cause this. Of course, simple flushing will restore that water.

Can water evaporate in a sewer trap?

Water in any trap under unused drains will eventually evaporate. That would allow sewer gas to come up through the drain into the room. Solve that problem just by dumping a pitcherful of water into the drain to restore the trap water.