Emergency plumbing
Basement sewer backup
A basement sewer backup happens when the main sewer line is blocked or the city main surcharges, so waste comes up the lowest drain, usually the basement floor drain. The plumber clears the main, cameras it to find the cause, and can install a backwater valve to stop city-side backups.
- Typical time
- Clearing in an hour or two; repairs vary.
- Repair or replace
- Clear and camera; repair the cause and consider a backwater valve.
Stop using all water in the house immediately: every flush and shower adds to what comes up. Keep people and pets away from sewage.
Roots, grease, a collapsed clay pipe or a belly in the line are the usual private-side causes. Heavy storms can also surcharge city mains; a backwater valve protects against that.
Basement Sewer Backup at a glance
- What it is
- A basement sewer backup happens when the main sewer line is blocked or the city main surcharges, so waste comes up the lowest drain, usually the basement floor drain.
- Service category
- Emergency Plumbing
Signs you need sewer backup help
- Sewage at the floor drain
- Toilet water rising when the washer drains
- Gurgling drains throughout the house
- Sewer smell in the basement
Quick answers
Basement Sewer Backup: the short version
How long basement sewer backup takes
Clearing in an hour or two; repairs vary.
When sewer backup can wait, and when it can't
Emergency: stop using water now.
Fix or replace sewer backup?
Clear and camera; repair the cause and consider a backwater valve.
Why sewer backup happens
Roots, grease, collapsed pipe or city main surcharges.
The work
How basement sewer backup is done
- 1
Clear the main
Cable or jet from the cleanout.
- 2
Camera
Find roots, breaks or bellies.
- 3
Fix and protect
Repair the line and consider a backwater valve.
- 4
Cleanup referral
Sewage-soaked materials need professional cleanup.
What moves the price of basement sewer backup
Driven by access, cause and repair; backwater valves add cost.
- Cleanout access
- Cause of the blockage
- Repair needed
- Backwater valve installation
Basement Sewer Backup: common questions
Is a sewer backup covered by insurance?
Often only with a sewer or water backup endorsement on your policy. Check yours before it happens.
What is a backwater valve?
A one-way valve on the sewer line that lets waste out but stops sewage from flowing back in when the city main is overloaded.
Service area
Basement Sewer Backup across Northern Colorado
Related
Services often paired with basement sewer backup
Sewer Camera Inspection
A sewer camera inspection runs a waterproof camera through the main sewer line from a cleanout to the city main, recording roots, cracks, offsets, bellies and material changes, and locating problems by depth and position.
Learn more
Sewer Line Repair & Replacement
Sewer line repair fixes a damaged section of the main sewer line, while replacement renews the whole line.
Learn moreHydro-Jetting
Hydro-jetting sends high-pressure water through a drain or sewer line to scour grease, scale, sludge and fine roots off the pipe walls.
Learn more
Call about a sewer backup
Roots, grease, collapsed pipe or city main surcharges.