Drain & sewer answers
Sewer Backing Up Into Your Basement? What to Do Right Now
Stop using all water in the house, keep people and pets away from the sewage, and call a 24/7 drain and sewer company. A backup at the basement floor drain almost always means the main sewer line is blocked, so the fix is clearing the main line, not plunging a fixture.
What to do in the first hour
- Stop running water. No flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher. Every gallon you use has nowhere to go but up into the basement.
- Keep everyone away. Sewage carries bacteria. Keep kids and pets out and don't walk through standing water without boots and gloves.
- Turn off power to the basement if water is near outlets, a furnace or appliances and you can reach the panel safely.
- Don't pour chemical drain cleaner into the floor drain. It won't reach a main line clog and makes the water dangerous for whoever clears it.
- Take photos for your insurance company before cleanup.
- Call a 24/7 drain and sewer company. In Union, Essex and the surrounding counties, Sabra's emergency line is answered day and night at 973-715-9422.
Why sewage comes up through the basement floor drain
The basement floor drain is usually the lowest opening in your plumbing. When the main sewer line between your house and the street is blocked, water backs up until it finds that low point. Common causes in New Jersey homes:
- Tree roots growing into older clay or cast iron laterals, common in established towns in Essex, Union and Morris counties.
- Grease and wipes building up into a solid plug.
- A collapsed or sagging pipe, especially old Orangeburg (fiber) pipe.
- Heavy rain overloading the municipal sewer, which can push water back toward homes. This is more common in low-lying and shore areas of Hudson, Monmouth and Ocean counties.
How a sewer company fixes it
A technician opens the main line cleanout and clears the blockage with a cable machine (snake or auger). If grease or roots caused it, hydro-jetting cleans the full pipe wall so it doesn't come straight back. If this is the second or third backup, a sewer camera inspection shows whether the pipe is broken and needs repair.
How to stop it happening again
- Never flush wipes, even ones labeled "flushable."
- Keep grease out of the kitchen sink.
- Ask about backflow prevention, a valve that stops sewer water flowing back into your home.
- If roots are the cause, schedule preventive cleaning before they grow back.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sewer backup in the basement an emergency?
Yes. Raw sewage is a health hazard and water damage gets worse by the hour. Stop using water and call a 24/7 drain and sewer company.
Can I clear a main sewer line clog myself?
Usually not safely. Main line clogs sit far down the pipe and need a professional cable machine or hydro-jetter. Rental machines can damage older pipes.
Who do I call for a sewer backup in Union or Essex County, NJ?
Call a licensed local drain and sewer company with 24/7 service. Sabra Drain & Sewer, based in Kenilworth, answers emergency calls day and night at 973-715-9422.
Does homeowners insurance cover a sewer backup?
Many standard policies only cover sewer backup with a specific add-on. Check your policy and take photos before cleanup.
Keep reading
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