After a sewer backup, stop using all water, keep people and pets away from the affected area, and turn off power to that area if it is safe. Photograph the damage, call the sewer utility and a sewer contractor to clear the line, then clean and disinfect or bring in a restoration company, and get the line inspected on camera so it does not happen again.
A backup is stressful, and it is easy to skip a step that matters later for your health, your insurance claim or preventing the next one. Here is the order to do things in.
The First Hour
Stop all water
No flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher. Tell everyone in the house.
Stay safe
Keep kids and pets away. Turn off power to the area only if you can do it without standing in water.
Document
Photos and video of the water, the source drain and damaged items, before any cleanup.
Make two calls
Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility (870-535-6603) for a free check of the city side, and a sewer contractor to clear your line.
The First Day
- Get the line cleared so the house can drain. See main sewer line clog clearing.
- Ask for a camera inspection after clearing to find the cause. See sewer camera inspection.
- Call your insurance company and ask what they need for a claim.
- Remove standing water and start drying. For large areas, call a water damage restoration company.
- Move undamaged belongings out of the affected area.
Cleaning Up Safely
- Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves and eye protection.
- Remove water and debris, then wash hard surfaces with soap and water.
- Disinfect with a bleach solution as directed on the product label, never mixed with ammonia.
- Throw out soaked carpet padding, mattresses and items that cannot be fully cleaned.
- Dry everything quickly with fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mold.
Read is sewer backup dangerous for the health side.
The Week After
- Review the camera footage and repair price for whatever caused the backup.
- Send the insurer the footage, photos and itemized estimate. Our claim help provides them.
- Schedule the repair: often a spot repair, root removal or a backwater valve.
- Watch for musty smells or new stains that suggest hidden moisture.
How Do You Prevent the Next One?
The fix depends on the cause the camera found. Roots need their entry joints sealed. A belly needs re-grading. Grease and wipes need better habits. City-side storm backups call for a backwater valve. See how to prevent a sewer backup.
A Note on Timing
Speed matters more than perfection in the first day. Clearing the line quickly stops more sewage from coming in, and drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours is what keeps a backup from turning into a mold problem. If you are overwhelmed, focus on those two things first: get the line flowing and get the water out.
We handle the sewer side of every backup, camera first and price before we dig, as part of our approach to sewer line repair in Pine Bluff.
Call any time. My crew will clear the line, find the cause on camera and give you the paperwork for your insurer.
FAQ
Should I clean up before the adjuster comes?
Take thorough photos first, then remove standing water to prevent further damage. Ask your insurer before throwing away major items.
Can I use the toilet after the line is cleared?
Yes, once the crew confirms the line is flowing. If the cause was a break, they will tell you how carefully to use water until it is repaired.
Who pays for a sewer backup?
It depends on where the blockage was. See who pays for sewer line repair in Pine Bluff.