Sewage coming up through a tub, shower, or floor drain? This isn’t a mop-and-bleach job. Stay out of it, keep kids and pets away, and call or send a few details. A local water damage pro will get back to you about cleaning it up safely.
Why sewage is different
Sewage carries bacteria and viruses, and it soaks into everything it touches. The EPA’s advice for damage from sewage or other contaminated water is to call in a professional who has experience with it. Expect carpet, pad, and the bottom of affected drywall to be removed and thrown out, not cleaned. Hard surfaces get cleaned and disinfected, and the area is dried and checked before anything is put back.
Until help gets there
- Stop using water in the house. Every flush and every load of laundry adds to the backup.
- Turn off power to the area if water is near outlets, and only if you can reach the breaker without walking through it.
- Open windows if you can do it without walking through the mess.
- Take photos for insurance.
- Don’t try to clean it with a shop vac and household cleaners.
Is it your line or the city’s?
If the backup is in your own drain line, a plumber clears it. If neighbors are having the same problem, or it’s coming from the city’s sewer main, call your city. The numbers are on the city pages for north Fort Worth, Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, North Richland Hills, and Roanoke.
Either way, the cleanup inside the house is a separate job from fixing the line.
Insurance
Whether sewer backup is covered depends on your policy. The Texas Department of Insurance lists backup of sewers or drains as a common add-on, and some policies don’t cover it without one. Call your agent early, and see the insurance guide.
Sewage in the house? Call or send the details.