Sewer Backup: What To Do Next

Your safety should be the first priority after a sewer backup. Unlike clean water, sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can pose serious health risks. Avoid direct contact with contaminated water whenever possible.

Before taking any additional steps:

• Avoid contact with sewage and contaminated water whenever possible.
• Keep children and pets away from the affected area until it has been professionally cleaned and sanitized.
• Do not walk through contaminated water unless it is absolutely necessary for your safety.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment, such as waterproof gloves, rubber boots, and eye protection, if you must enter the affected area.
• Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring and it is safe to do so. Never enter standing water where electrical hazards may be present.
• Wash your hands and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water after accidental contact with sewage, and change out of contaminated clothing as soon as possible.

Once the area is safe, the next step is to stop additional wastewater from entering your home and help prevent further damage.

Once the area is safe, take steps to prevent additional sewage from backing up into your home. Continuing to use your plumbing system can cause more contaminated water to enter the affected area and increase the extent of the damage.

If it is safe to do so:

• Stop using all plumbing fixtures, including sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs, dishwashers, and washing machines, until the cause of the backup has been identified.
• Shut off your home’s water supply if necessary to help prevent additional wastewater from entering the plumbing system.
• Avoid using connected plumbing fixtures if the backup appears to be isolated to a specific drain or area of your home.
• Contact a licensed plumber if sewage continues to back up or you suspect a blockage in your sewer line.
• If heavy rainfall is contributing to the backup, wait until the municipal sewer system is no longer overwhelmed before resuming normal plumbing use.

Stopping additional wastewater from entering your home can help limit contamination, reduce property damage, and make the cleanup and restoration process safer and more effective.

If it is safe to do so, begin protecting your belongings from additional damage. Because sewage is contaminated water, avoid handling affected items without appropriate protective equipment. Some materials exposed to sewage may not be salvageable and should be evaluated by a restoration professional.

When it is safe:

• Move furniture away from contaminated water if it can be done safely.
• Remove electronics from affected areas to help prevent additional damage.
• Protect important documents, photographs, and valuable records by relocating them to a clean, dry area whenever possible.
• Move clothing, rugs, storage containers, and other personal belongings away from contaminated areas if they have not been affected.
• Separate contaminated items from unaffected belongings to help reduce the spread of contamination.
• Photograph all damaged belongings before cleaning or disposing of them to help support your insurance claim.

Keep in mind that porous materials such as carpeting, upholstered furniture, mattresses, insulation, and certain fabrics that have been contaminated by sewage may require professional cleaning or disposal, depending on the extent of the contamination.

Protecting your belongings early can help reduce additional damage and improve the restoration process while helping to keep you and your family safe.

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Before cleanup begins, thoroughly document the damage caused by the sewer backup. Detailed photos, videos, and records can help support your insurance claim and provide valuable information for your restoration team.

Be sure to document:

• The sewage backup and any standing contaminated water.

• Affected rooms and the extent of the contamination throughout your home.

• Damaged flooring, drywall, baseboards, cabinetry, and other structural materials.

• Contaminated furniture, electronics, documents, clothing, and other personal belongings.

• Water stains, discoloration, or visible signs of damage caused by the backup.

• The suspected source of the sewer backup, if it is visible and safe to photograph.

Also keep copies of:

• Cleanup and emergency service receipts.

• Plumbing inspection reports, repair invoices, and sewer line service records.

• Restoration estimates and contractor documentation.

• Insurance claim information, including your claim number and correspondence with your insurance company.

Avoid throwing away damaged items until they have been documented and your insurance company or restoration professional has had an opportunity to evaluate them, unless they present an immediate health or safety hazard.

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Can Insurance Cover Sewer Backup Damage?

Coverage for sewer backup damage depends on the terms, conditions, endorsements, and exclusions of your homeowners insurance policy. Many standard homeowners insurance policies do not automatically include coverage for sewer backups, but coverage may be available if you have a sewer or water backup endorsement.

Potential coverage may include:

• Sewer or water backup endorsement for covered sewer backup events.

• Damage to your home’s structure, including flooring, drywall, insulation, cabinetry, and other building materials.

• Damage to personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and household contents.

• Emergency mitigation services, including sewage extraction, cleaning, sanitization, moisture detection, and structural drying to help prevent additional damage.

• Additional living expenses (loss of use) if a covered loss makes your home temporarily uninhabitable.

Potential exclusions may include:

• Sewer backups when no sewer backup endorsement has been purchased.

• Flood damage caused by rising surface water, unless covered under a separate flood insurance policy.

• Long-term maintenance issues, neglect, or preventable plumbing problems.

• Other limitations or exclusions outlined in your specific insurance policy.

If you experience a sewer backup, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and begin the claims process. Take photos and videos of the affected areas, keep receipts for emergency services and cleanup, and save any plumbing or restoration reports that may help support your claim.

Coverage varies by policy. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage, deductibles, endorsements, and policy limitations.

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After a sewer backup, professional cleanup should begin as soon as possible. Unlike clean water from a broken pipe, sewage is considered contaminated water and can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that pose serious health risks. Because of these hazards, sewage damage should never be treated like a typical water leak.

A professional restoration company can help with:

Emergency Response and Damage Assessment

A restoration team will quickly assess the damage, identify contaminated areas, and develop a safe and effective cleanup plan.

Contaminated Water Removal

Specialized extraction equipment is used to safely remove sewage and contaminated water from your home, helping to minimize additional damage.

Safe Removal of Unsalvageable Materials

Porous materials such as carpeting, drywall, insulation, upholstered furniture, and other items that cannot be safely restored may need to be removed and properly disposed of.

Moisture Detection

Professional moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment help locate hidden moisture behind walls, beneath flooring, inside insulation, and in other concealed areas.

Structural Drying

Commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers are used to thoroughly dry affected building materials and reduce the risk of additional damage.

Cleaning, Sanitization, and Disinfection

All surfaces that can be restored are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected using professional-grade products to help remove harmful contaminants and create a safe living environment.

Odor Removal

Professional deodorization techniques help eliminate persistent sewage odors that can remain after cleanup.

Mold Prevention

Prompt drying and sanitization help reduce the risk of mold growth caused by lingering moisture.

Repairs and Reconstruction

Once the cleanup and drying process is complete, damaged drywall, flooring, insulation, cabinetry, and other structural components can be repaired or replaced to restore your home.

Calling a professional restoration company immediately after a sewer backup helps protect your family’s health, minimize property damage, and ensure your home is cleaned, sanitized, and restored safely.

A sewer backup can cause extensive damage in a very short amount of time. In addition to water damage, sewage contains harmful contaminants that can quickly affect building materials, personal belongings, and indoor air quality. Prompt cleanup and professional restoration are essential to help minimize damage and protect your home.

Within Minutes

Contaminated water begins spreading throughout the affected area.

• Sewage spreads across floors and into nearby rooms.

• Furniture, rugs, and personal belongings become contaminated.

• Bacteria and other harmful contaminants begin affecting exposed surfaces.

Within Hours

Moisture and contamination continue spreading.

• Drywall, insulation, and flooring absorb contaminated water.

• Water can migrate beneath flooring, behind walls, and inside cabinets.

• Unpleasant sewage odors begin to develop.

Within 24–48 Hours

Secondary damage becomes more likely.

• Mold growth may begin developing in damp areas.

• Contamination can continue spreading throughout affected materials.

• Drywall, wood, and other porous materials may begin deteriorating.

Within Several Days

Long-term damage becomes more extensive.

• Structural materials may weaken as moisture persists.

• Sewage odors become more difficult to remove.

• Extensive demolition, cleaning, sanitation, and reconstruction may be necessary to safely restore the affected areas.

The sooner contaminated water is removed and the structure is professionally cleaned, sanitized, and dried, the greater the chance of minimizing damage and restoring your home safely.

A sewer backup is more than just a water damage issue—it is a contamination event that requires specialized cleanup, sanitization, and restoration. Even if the standing water appears to have receded, harmful contaminants and hidden moisture can remain behind walls, beneath flooring, inside insulation, and on affected surfaces.

You should contact a professional restoration company if you notice:

• Standing sewage or contaminated water remaining in your home.

• Persistent sewage odors that continue after the initial cleanup.

• Wet or damaged drywall, bubbling paint, or water-stained walls.

• Water trapped beneath flooring or flooring that is warped, buckled, or swollen.

• Visible sewage contamination on floors, walls, cabinets, or personal belongings.

• Multiple rooms affected by contaminated water.

• Visible mold growth or musty odors developing after the backup.

• Water-damaged cabinets, baseboards, or trim showing signs of swelling or deterioration.

• Saturated insulation or moisture hidden inside walls and ceilings.

Because sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, professional cleaning, sanitization, and structural drying are essential. A qualified restoration company has the specialized equipment, cleaning products, and training needed to safely remove contaminated materials, disinfect affected areas, eliminate odors, and restore your home to a safe, healthy condition.

The sooner professional restoration begins, the greater the opportunity to minimize damage, reduce restoration costs, and safely return your home to its pre-loss condition.

It Depends on Your Policy

Coverage for sewer backup damage depends on the terms, conditions, endorsements, and exclusions of your homeowners insurance policy. Many standard homeowners insurance policies do not automatically include sewer backup coverage, but protection may be available if you have purchased a sewer or water backup endorsement.

Potential coverage may include:

• Sewer or water backup endorsement for covered sewer backup events.

• Repairs to damaged structural materials, including flooring, drywall, insulation, cabinetry, and other building components.

• Damage to personal property, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and other household belongings.

• Emergency mitigation services, including sewage extraction, cleaning, sanitization, moisture detection, and structural drying.

• Additional living expenses (loss of use) if a covered sewer backup makes your home temporarily uninhabitable.

Potential exclusions may include:

• Flood damage caused by rising surface water, unless covered under a separate flood insurance policy.

• Sewer backups when no sewer backup endorsement has been purchased, if required by your policy.

• Maintenance-related issues, neglect, or preventable plumbing problems.

• Other limitations or exclusions outlined in your specific insurance policy.

If you experience a sewer backup, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and begin the claims process. Take photos and videos of the affected areas, keep receipts for emergency services and cleanup, and save any plumbing or restoration reports that may help support your claim.

Coverage varies by policy. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage, deductibles, endorsements, and policy limitations.

A sewer backup requires more than simply removing standing water. Because sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, affected areas must be properly cleaned, sanitized, and dried to help protect your home and your family’s health. Our comprehensive restoration process is designed to safely remove contaminated materials, eliminate hidden moisture, and restore your property to its pre-loss condition.

Emergency Response and Inspection

Our team responds quickly to assess the extent of the damage, identify affected areas, document the loss, and develop a safe and effective restoration plan.

Sewage Extraction

Using specialized extraction equipment, we safely remove contaminated water and sewage from your home to help minimize additional damage.

Removal of Contaminated Materials

Porous materials that cannot be safely restored, such as drywall, insulation, carpeting, padding, and other contaminated building materials, are removed and disposed of in accordance with industry standards.

Moisture Mapping and Detection

Professional moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment help locate hidden moisture behind walls, beneath flooring, inside insulation, and in other concealed areas.

Structural Drying and Dehumidification

Commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers are used to thoroughly dry affected structural materials while moisture levels are monitored throughout the drying process.

Cleaning, Sanitization, and Disinfection

All restorable surfaces are professionally cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected to help remove harmful contaminants and create a safe, healthy environment.

Odor Removal

Professional deodorization techniques help eliminate persistent sewage odors and improve indoor air quality.

Mold Prevention

Prompt drying and sanitization help reduce the risk of mold growth caused by lingering moisture.

Contents Cleaning and Restoration

Whenever it is safe and appropriate, furniture, electronics, documents, clothing, and other personal belongings are evaluated for professional cleaning and restoration.

Repairs and Reconstruction

Once mitigation is complete, we repair or replace damaged drywall, flooring, insulation, cabinetry, trim, ceilings, and other structural components to restore your home.

Remodeling Services

As licensed general contractors and property restoration specialists, Damage Control can complete remodeling and renovation projects following a sewer backup. Whether you need to restore a single room or renovate larger areas of your home, our experienced team can manage the project from cleanup through final reconstruction.

From the initial emergency response through the final repairs, Damage Control provides complete sewer backup cleanup and sewage damage restoration services throughout Southeast Wisconsin.

While not every sewer backup can be prevented, regular maintenance and good plumbing habits can significantly reduce your risk. Taking proactive steps can help protect your home, minimize costly repairs, and reduce the likelihood of future sewage backups.

Homeowners can help prevent sewer backups by:

• Never pouring grease, fats, or cooking oils down drains, as they can harden inside sewer pipes and create stubborn blockages.

• Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, or other non-flush-able items, even if they are labeled as “flush-able.”

• Scheduling routine sewer line inspections, especially if you own an older home or have experienced previous sewer line problems.

• Removing tree roots that have invaded or threaten underground sewer lines, and repairing damaged pipes when necessary.

• Installing a backwater valve, where appropriate, to help prevent sewage from flowing back into your home during municipal sewer system backups.

• Maintaining your home’s plumbing system by addressing slow drains, recurring clogs, and plumbing issues before they become major problems.

• Considering a sewer or water backup endorsement on your homeowners insurance policy, as sewer backup damage is not always covered under a standard homeowners policy.

Regular maintenance, responsible plumbing practices, and early detection of sewer line problems can go a long way toward reducing the risk of a sewer backup and protecting your home from costly water damage and contamination.