Sewage Backup in Your Basement: What to Do and What Not to Do
A sewer backup is different from a clean water leak. The water carries bacteria, so the rules change.
Do
- Keep kids and pets out of the area
- Stop using sinks, toilets, the washer and the dishwasher
- Take photos before anything is moved
- Call a contractor who does sewage cleanup, and a plumber if the line is blocked
Don't
- Don't walk through it in regular shoes
- Don't try to save carpet or pad that sewage touched. It has to go
- Don't use a household shop vac. It spreads it around
How cleanup works
We remove the water, tear out materials that soaked it up, clean and disinfect the hard surfaces, then dry the structure before anything goes back. Many policies need a separate backup endorsement to cover this, so call your agent. More on sewage backup cleanup.
Call or text Ben: (612) 991-5525 any time, day or night.
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