Why this matters
A sewage backup contaminates everything it touches and is costly to clean. The main building drain usually narrows gradually from roots, grease, wipes or a sagging section, and the lowest fixtures show it first.
The warning signs
- Water or debris at the basement floor drain.
- Toilets gurgling when sinks drain, or vice versa.
- Several fixtures slow at the same time.
- Sewer smell in the basement.
- The tub filling from below as a toilet is flushed.
| Sign | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| One slow fixture | Local clog |
| All fixtures slow | Main line restriction |
| Backup during storms | City sewer surcharge |
| Recurring every summer | Roots in the lateral |
Our crew would go about it like this
- 1
Open the basement cleanout and drain any water held behind the blockage.
- 2
Run the sectional cable toward the street, cutting roots or scale as it advances.
- 3
Send the camera through to record joints, offsets and cracks in the lateral.
- 4
Mark the depth and position of any break on the lawn before discussing repair.
Step by step
- Stop using water in the house.
- Keep people and pets away from any sewage.
- Do not use chemical drain openers.
- Call a plumber to clear the main line.
- Once cleared, consider a camera inspection.
- For storm backups, consider a backwater valve.
Cleaning up safely
Sewage carries bacteria, so pull on boots, gloves and goggles, and shut the door on curious kids and animals. Porous items soaked by sewage, such as carpet, underpad, cardboard and upholstered furniture, are usually discarded. Hard surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected once the water is gone. Run fans and a dehumidifier, and photograph everything before it leaves the house so your insurer has a record. Large backups are often best handled by a restoration company with the right equipment.
Handing it over to us
At the first signs. See main sewer line clearing, camera inspection and backwater valves. Our basement flood checklist covers cleanup.
Markham note: village-core houses tend to hide cast iron and galvanized behind plaster, while Cornell and Box Grove builds run PEX to a manifold. We ask the year your house was built so the right fittings ride along on the truck.
Straight from the phone log
Will my home policy pay for a sewer backup?
Only if you bought the sewer backup rider in most cases; read the wording.
Can a backup happen with no rain?
Yes, from a blocked lateral inside your property.
Ready to get it fixed?
One call, a clear explanation, and work finished tidily before we leave.