Is a sewage backup an emergency, and who do I call?

Yes, a sewage backup is an emergency, though not always a 911 emergency. The wastewater can carry harmful bacteria and chemicals, and every hour it sits on floors and in carpet makes the cleanup bigger. Protect people first, stop adding water, then call a licensed plumber, and your utility if neighbors are affected.

What to do first

The City of Salem's backup guidance is a good checklist. Shut off any running water, and avoid contact: it says to protect yourself, other people and pets from contact with the wastewater, which can contain harmful bacteria and chemicals.^[1] It advises wearing protective clothing such as rubber gloves, boots and goggles, and sanitizing skin and clothing after contact.^[1]

Do not flush toilets. Do not pour anything down the drain until the backup has receded, because chemical drain cleaners are not likely to help and can cause additional damage.^[1] If your basement has a sump pump, Salem says to turn it off, since sump pumps are intended to pump clear water to a greenspace or storm drain.^[1]

Do not wade through standing water near electrical equipment. Ready.gov warns not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water, and to turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.^[4] If you cannot reach the panel without standing in water, leave it and call a licensed electrician and your electric utility.

Call 911 if anyone is sick or hurt, if you smell gas, or if water is touching live electrical equipment.

Who do I call

Neighbors first, then the utility. Salem advises contacting neighbors to help determine whether the blockage is inside the building or on the sewer main, and if the problem is affecting multiple buildings, calling the water department immediately.^[1] A main blockage is the utility's problem. Call the number on your water or sewer bill, or the locality's emergency line.

A licensed plumber, if it is just your house. If the issue appears to be affecting one building, Salem says contacting a licensed plumber is recommended, and that the owner is responsible for the sewer lateral on private property, as well as cleanup.^[1] Virginia requires plumbing work to be done by a licensed tradesman,^[6] so ask for the licence number. Many plumbers answer emergency calls.

A restoration company for the cleanup. After the plumber stops the flow, a company experienced with contaminated water does the extraction, removal and disinfection. EPA's advice is that if the damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, you should call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.^[2] Read what happens during a sewage cleanup and how to choose a water damage restoration company.

Your septic health office, if you have a septic system. Salem says that if your home has a septic system, call your local health department for advice about how to dispose of the water or sewage.^[1]

Your insurer. Call early. Salem notes that most homeowners' insurance will not pay for damage unless specific sewer backup coverage has been added to the policy.^[1] The Virginia Bureau of Insurance advises taking photographs before you begin cleaning and repairing and keeping receipts for all your clean-up expenses.^[3]

Watch for scams after a bad storm

After a regional storm, out-of-town crews knock on doors. Before you sign, read how to spot a storm-chasing contractor and check any contractor's licence.

When to call a licensed pro

Right away for the plumbing, and for any rebuilding afterward. Virginia law says no individual shall engage in work as a tradesman unless licensed,^[6] and no person shall engage in, or offer to engage in, contracting work in the Commonwealth unless he has been licensed under the contractors chapter.^[5] Check the licence before you hire. For what it all costs, see how much sewage cleanup costs in Virginia.

Browse restoration services, read more restoration answers, or describe your job once to reach licensed local businesses.