Sewage Backup Cleanup: Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most, each with a link to the page that goes into more depth.
Safety and first steps
Is a sewage backup an emergency?
Treat it as one when wastewater is coming up or has reached floors, carpet or walls, because the water may carry contaminants. Our emergency page explains what to do while you wait.
How dangerous is sewage in a basement?
It can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites, so avoid contact and keep people and pets out. The first-hour guide lists what to do and what to avoid.
Can I stay in the house after a backup?
Often yes, as long as the contaminated area is closed off and no wet electrical equipment is involved. If a whole level is affected or someone is ill, staying elsewhere until it's cleaned is the safer choice.
What should I do while waiting for help?
Stop using water, keep people out of the area, photograph the damage from a distance and leave the cleaning to professionals. Don't run fans or vacuums in the contaminated space.
Cleanup
What is Category 3 water?
It's the most contaminated water category, and it includes sewage and rising floodwater. The Category 3 page explains all three categories.
What gets thrown away after a sewage backup?
Porous materials that soaked up sewage, such as carpet, padding, insulation and wet drywall, are generally removed. Hard materials can often be cleaned. See basement cleanup for the details.
Is bleach enough to clean sewage?
No. Bleach doesn't remove contaminated material, it can't reach into porous surfaces, and it should never be mixed with ammonia or other cleaners.
Will the smell go away?
It usually goes once the contaminated material is removed and the space is dried. If it lingers, read about sewage odor removal.
How long does it take to dry out?
That depends on the materials and how much water there was, and it's confirmed by measurement rather than by appearance. See drying and mold prevention.
Is a toilet overflow always sewage?
No. A clog in the bowl is very different from a backed-up main line. Toilet overflow cleanup explains how to tell them apart.
Causes and responsibility
What causes sewage to back up into a basement?
Blocked or damaged lines, tree roots, grease, or an overloaded public sewer. The causes guide covers each.
Why does my basement back up when it rains?
Heavy rain can add more flow than combined sewers can handle, and the excess can push back toward low openings like basement floor drains.
Who is responsible for the sewer line in Lakewood?
The City of Lakewood says it maintains sewer components in the public right-of-way and owners maintain what's on private property. The responsibility guide has the details.
How do I know if it's my line or the city's?
A camera inspection shows your private line's condition. Widespread backups during storms point more toward the public system. See sewer camera inspection.
Insurance
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup?
Coverage varies, and many policies exclude it unless an endorsement was added. Your insurer can tell you; documenting a backup explains what to record either way.
What should I photograph?
The water, the fixtures it came from, the damaged items and any water line on walls, from a safe distance and before anything is moved.
Repairs and prevention
How do I stop it from happening again?
Find the cause first. Depending on what you find, that might be drain cleaning, line repair or a backwater valve.
Is a backwater valve worth it?
It depends on whether your backups come from the public sewer pushing back. It doesn't help with blockages in your own line or with other kinds of flooding.
About Premier
Where do you work?
We serve Lakewood, Ohio, which uses ZIP code 44107. The service areas page lists the districts.
How do I request service?
Call (216) 221-3333 or use the contact page to describe what happened.
Still have a question?
Call and ask. If you're describing a backup, tell us where the water is and whether it's still coming up.