Discovering sewage backing up into toilets, drains, or showers is a nightmare for homeowners. Beyond the foul odor and mess, raw sewage poses serious health risks and can damage your property.
As Pasadena plumbing professionals, Pershing Plumbing has resolved hundreds of sewage emergencies. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do immediately, why backups happen, and how our experts can restore safety to your home.
Step 1: Act Quickly—Critical Measures to Take
Sewage backups escalate rapidly.
Follow these steps to minimize harm while waiting for professionals:
- Stop Using Water
- Turn off all faucets and avoid flushing toilets. Running water worsens the backup.
- Pershing Plumbing Tip: Locate your home’s main water shut-off valve in advance for emergencies.
- Evacuate the Area & Ensure Safety
- Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Keep children, pets, and vulnerable individuals away.
- Wear rubber gloves, goggles, and a mask if you must approach the affected area.
- Check Other Drains
- Test sinks, tubs, and basement drains. Multiple backups often indicate a mainline blockage.
- Pershing Plumbing Insight: Gurgling sounds in pipes often precede backups. Act fast if you hear them.
- Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
- Harsh chemicals may corrode pipes, worsening the issue.
- Call Pershing Plumbing Immediately
- Our 24/7 emergency team arrives promptly with industrial equipment to clear blockages and sanitize affected areas.
Step 2: Identify the Cause—Why Is Sewage Backing Up?
Our Pasadena Plumbing technicians diagnose these common culprits in Pasadena homes:
- Main Sewer Line Clogs
- Flushed items (wipes, grease) or tree roots invading older pipes can block wastewater flow.
- Municipal Sewer Issues
- Heavy rains or system overloads can overwhelm city lines, forcing sewage back into homes.
- Collapsed or Misaligned Pipes
- Aging clay or cast-iron pipes (common in older Pasadena homes) may crack or shift, obstructing flow.
- Septic Tank Failure
- Full or damaged septic systems can’t process waste, causing backups into drains.
Pershing Plumbing’s Pro Tip: Annual sewer line inspections with video cameras prevent surprises.
Step 3: Understand the Risks—Why Immediate Help Matters
Sewage exposure isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a health hazard and property threat:
- Disease Risks: E. coli, hepatitis A, and norovirus thrive in raw sewage.
- Mold Growth: Lingering moisture from backups encourages toxic mold.
- Structural Damage: Wood floors, drywall, and furniture absorb sewage, leading to costly repairs.
Don’t gamble with DIY fixes—call Pershing Plumbing to resolve backups safely.
Step 4: Trust Professionals—How Pershing Plumbing Resolves Sewage Backups
Our licensed team uses advanced tools to tackle emergencies:
- High-Pressure Jetting: Blasts through clogs, roots, and grease buildup without damaging pipes.
- Video Inspections: Locate cracks, offsets, or collapses in sewer lines for targeted repairs.
- Disinfection & Decontamination: Safely sanitize floors, walls, and air quality post-backup.
- Trenchless Repairs: Fix damaged pipes with minimal digging using pipe lining or bursting methods.
Pershing Plumbing’s Promise: We handle permits, city coordination, and insurance documentation for you.
Step 5: Prevent Future Backups—Expert Tips from Pasadena’s Top Plumbers
- Install a Backwater Valve
- Automatically blocks sewage from re-entering your home during municipal system overloads.
- Replace Aging Pipes
- Upgrade to durable PVC or trenchless-lined pipes resistant to roots and corrosion.
- Mind Your Drains
- Never flush wipes, fats, or feminine products. Use hair catchers in showers.
- Schedule Sewer Line Inspections
- Our team scans pipes bi-annually to catch issues early.
- Landscaping Care
- Plant trees away from sewer lines to prevent root intrusion.
Our Pasadena Plumbing expert Insight: Pasadena’s clay soil and rainy winters make sewer lines prone to shifting—stay vigilant!
Why Choose Pershing Plumbing for Sewage Backups?
With 30+ years serving Pasadena, we’re your local experts:
- 24/7 Emergency Response: Available nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Advanced Equipment: Industrial-grade jetters, cameras, and safety gear.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees—get upfront quotes before work begins.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: We don’t leave until your home is clean, dry, and functional.
Hear From Our Clients:
“Pershing Plumbing cleared a basement sewage flood at 2 a.m. during a storm. Their team was fast, kind, and saved us from a disaster!” – Maria S., Pasadena
FAQs About Sewage Backups
Q: Will homeowners insurance cover sewage backup damage?
A: Only if you have specific sewer/water backup coverage. Pershing Plumbing documents damage for claims.
Q: How long does sewage cleanup take?
A: Most emergencies are resolved in 4–8 hours, but severe cases may require 1–2 days for decontamination.
Q: Can I prevent tree roots from invading pipes?
A: Yes! Root barriers and annual hydro-jetting keep lines clear.