Sewer Backups

If sewage is backing up into your home, call the Helpline Center at 211 right away.

Signs of a Sewer Blockage

You may have a blockage in the sewer line if you notice:

• Water isn't draining from floor drains below ground level.
• Water is coming up through floor drains, showers, or toilets.
• Toilets, showers, or floor drains below ground level are draining very slowly.

If you notice any of these signs, call the Helpline Center at 211.

What Happens Next

City maintenance crews will check whether the blockage is in the City's sewer main or in your private sewer line.

• If the problem is in the City's sewer main, City crews will work to resolve it.
• If the problem is in your private sewer line, you'll need to hire a private drain-cleaning company to clear it.

Cleaning Up Safely

For major cleanup, consider hiring a professional water damage restoration or cleaning service. Your insurance company may be able to recommend one.

Protect yourself while cleaning:

• Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and protective clothing.
• Wash your hands thoroughly when finished.
• If your immune system is compromised, avoid doing this cleanup yourself.

Disinfecting After a Backup

Raw sewage carries bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can make you sick. Clean surfaces thoroughly first, then disinfect. Always follow the label instructions on any disinfectant, and use it in a well-ventilated area.

Drying out your home:

• Open windows and doors, and run an exhaust fan to remove moist air.
• Use a dehumidifier if you have one, and empty it often.
• Dispose of all wastewater through an approved sanitary sewer, not a storm drain.
• If your basement is fully flooded, pump it out gradually — about one-third per day. Don't pump it all at once; the pressure of saturated soil outside could damage your basement walls.
• Open, clean, and dry any spaces inside walls, floors, or ceilings. Let walls dry from the inside out.
• Clean and dry all surfaces within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth.

If anything is still wet or damp after 48 hours, assume mold has started growing and take steps to remove it.

Room-by-Room Cleanup Guide

Food and Food Containers

• Throw away any food that isn't in a waterproof, sealed container.
• Canned goods can be saved: remove the labels, wash the cans, dip them in a bleach-water solution, and rinse with clean water.

Clothing and Blankets

• Throw away mattresses and pillows.
• Line-dry items before treating them, then brush off loose dirt.
• Send dry-clean-only items to a professional cleaner.
• Wash washable items several times in cold water with detergent, adding a cup of bleach per load, then dry thoroughly right away.

Carpeting

• Remove wet carpet right away to protect your floors.
• Throw away carpet padding — it can't be saved.
• Clean, disinfect, and fully dry floors before replacing carpet.

Floors and Hardwood

• Remove moisture and debris.
• Scrub with a stiff brush, water, detergent, and disinfectant within 48 hours.
• Let wood dry completely.

Furniture

• Throw away upholstered furniture that touched contaminated water.
• Clean, rinse, and disinfect wood furniture.

Appliances

• Discard a water heater that got wet — its insulation can't be replaced and a damaged burner or heating element could start a fire.
• Have a flooded furnace inspected and serviced by a professional before use.
• Have any other affected appliances inspected before using them again, or discard them.

Keep Records for Insurance

• Take photos of all damage.
• Keep every receipt for cleanup and repair work.
• Write down what was damaged and how badly.
• Note the date, time, and which drains or fixtures overflowed.

Taking Care of Yourself

Cleaning up after a sewer backup is exhausting, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming - and that's completely normal.

• Pace the work over several days. You don't have to do it all at once.
• Take breaks before you're exhausted, and get back to a normal sleep schedule as soon as you can.
• Lean on family, neighbors, and local disaster relief programs.
• If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a community health or mental health professional.