# Sewage backing up into your tub or basement: what to do > Stop using water right away, keep kids and pets away, and wear gloves and boots. Call a plumber; if neighbors have the same problem, call your city or sewer district too. Photograph everything and call your insurer, though many policies cover sewer backups only with a water backup add-on. Professional cleanup is usually best; soaked carpet and lower drywall are often thrown out. Dry within 24 to 48 hours. - URL: https://explained.page/sewage-backup - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=sewage-backup ## Step by step 1. **Sewage backing up into your tub, toilet or basement?** It’s unpleasant and unhealthy. Stop using water, stay safe, and call for help. 2. **Stop using water right away.** Every flush, shower or load of laundry adds to the backup. Tell everyone in the house. 3. **Sewage carries germs.** Keep kids and pets away, wear gloves and boots, and stay clear of water near outlets. 4. **Call a plumber, and the city if needed.** A plumber can clear the line. If neighbors have the same problem, the city sewer main may be blocked; call your city or sewer district. 5. **Photograph everything, then call insurance.** Many standard policies don’t cover sewer backups unless you added “water backup” coverage. Ask, and get a claim number. 6. **Clean up with professionals.** Sewage cleanup is dirty work. Soaked carpet, padding and the bottom of drywall usually must be thrown out. Dry everything within a day or two to prevent mold. 7. **Prevent the next one.** Don’t flush wipes or pour grease. A backwater valve can stop city sewage from flowing in. Consider water backup coverage. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Stop using water - Keep kids and pets away; wear gloves - Call a plumber; call the city if neighbors are affected - Photograph and call insurance - Get professional cleanup; dry in 24–48 hours - Prevent it: no wipes or grease ## Stop using water No flushing, showers, dishwashers or laundry. More water makes the backup worse. ## Stay safe Sewage carries germs. Keep kids and pets away, wear gloves and rubber boots, stay away from water near outlets, and wash well afterward. ## Find the cause A plumber can clear a clog in your line. If neighbors have the same problem, the city sewer main may be blocked; call your city or sewer district. Homeowners are usually responsible for the line from the house to the city main. ## Insurance Photograph everything and call your insurer. Many standard homeowners policies exclude sewer backups unless you added “water backup” coverage. ## Cleanup Sewage cleanup is usually best left to professionals. Soaked carpet, padding and lower drywall are typically thrown out. Dry everything within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. ## Prevention Don’t flush wipes or pour grease down drains. Ask a plumber about a backwater valve, and consider water backup coverage. ## Common questions ### Who pays if the city sewer caused the backup? Sometimes the city, if it was negligent, but rules and deadlines for claims against cities are strict and short. Report it right away and ask how to file a claim. Source page: https://explained.page/sewage-backup/questions/who-pays-if-the-city-sewer-caused-the-backup ### Can I clean up sewage myself? Small, contained spills, with gloves, boots and disinfectant, maybe. Large backups are best handled by professionals because of health risks. Source page: https://explained.page/sewage-backup/questions/can-i-clean-up-sewage-myself ### Why is sewage coming up in my tub? Usually a clog in your main sewer line, so water from toilets and drains has nowhere to go and comes up at the lowest drain, often the tub or basement floor drain. Source page: https://explained.page/sewage-backup/questions/why-is-sewage-coming-up-in-my-tub ### Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup? Often not, unless you added water backup or sewer backup coverage. Check your policy, and consider adding it. Source page: https://explained.page/sewage-backup/questions/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-sewer-backup ### Who is responsible for the sewer line? Usually the homeowner is responsible for the line from the house to the city main; the city handles the main. Rules vary by city. Source page: https://explained.page/sewage-backup/questions/who-is-responsible-for-the-sewer-line ### Is sewage backup dangerous? Yes, it can carry bacteria and viruses. Avoid contact, keep kids and pets away, wear gloves and boots, and wash well. Source page: https://explained.page/sewage-backup/questions/is-sewage-backup-dangerous ### What is a backwater valve? A device on your sewer line that lets sewage flow out but not back in. Some cities offer rebates for installing one. Source page: https://explained.page/sewage-backup/questions/what-is-a-backwater-valve ### How much does it cost to clear a main sewer line? It varies by area and how bad the clog is, often a few hundred dollars for clearing, more for camera inspections or repairs. Get a written quote. Source page: https://explained.page/sewage-backup/questions/how-much-does-it-cost-to-clear-a-main-sewer-line ## Official sources - [EPA: flooded homes and cleanup](https://www.epa.gov/) - [CDC: cleaning up after floods](https://www.cdc.gov/) - [NAIC: your state insurance department](https://content.naic.org/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your city] sewer backup report" - "[your city] backwater valve program" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.