During a sewer backup, stop using all water in the home, keep everyone away from the waste, avoid wet electrical areas, and take photos of the damage. Then get the drain line cleared by a professional before starting cleanup, since cleaning too early often means cleaning twice.
Stop Adding Water
A backup means the line is blocked, so any water you use has nowhere to go but up. That includes flushing, showering, washing dishes, and running the washer. Ask everyone in the home to stop until the line is open. If you share a building, let the super and neighbors know.
Protect Yourself and Others
Sewage can carry germs that cause illness. Keep children and pets in another part of the home. If you need to move anything, wear rubber gloves and boots, and wash well afterward. Avoid touching your face while you are near the water.
Watch for Electrical Risks
Basements often hold furnaces, water heaters, washers, and the electrical panel. If sewage is near any of them, stay out of the area. Only shut off power at the breaker if you can do it from a completely dry spot.
Record and Report
Take photos and videos of the water, the drain it is coming from, and damaged items before you move anything. Call your insurance company early. Many policies treat sewer backups differently from other water damage, so it helps to ask what is covered.
Once the line is cleared, clean and disinfect hard surfaces, throw away soaked porous items, and dry the space fully. Large backups may need a professional cleanup crew.
Once a plumber has opened the sewer line, you can safely start restoring the area. Later, a review of how the backup happened can help you prevent the next one. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.