If sewage backs up into your home, stop using water everywhere in the house, keep people and pets away from the affected area, steer clear of anything electrical that is wet, and document the damage. Then have the line cleared before you start cleaning, or the next flush may undo your work.
Water Off, Doors Closed
Everything that drains in the house heads to the same blockage, so a single shower or load of laundry can send more wastewater back up. Tell everyone at home to hold off on flushing, washing, and running taps. Close the door to the room where the backup happened.
Health Comes First
Sewage can carry bacteria and viruses. Do not touch it with bare hands, and do not let children or pets near it. If you need to enter the area, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves, and wash thoroughly afterward. Keep food, toys, and clean laundry away from anything the water touched.
Electricity and Appliances
Backups often happen in basements, where the furnace, water heater, washer, and electrical panel sit. If the water is near any of them, stay out. Only switch off power if the breaker panel can be reached from a completely dry spot.
Records and Insurance
Take photos and video of the water level, the drain it came from, and damaged belongings before moving anything. Call your insurance company early, since sewer backup coverage is often a separate part of a policy. If you suspect the city sewer caused it, you can report it through 311.
After the line is open, remove standing water and waste, discard soaked porous items, and clean and disinfect every hard surface. Large backups may need a professional cleanup crew.
To fix the cause, a plumber can locate and remove whatever is blocking the pipe. Once cleanup is done, an inspection of nearby fixtures and drains can confirm nothing else was affected. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.