Is this your problem?
- Sewage or dirty water coming up through tubs, showers, or floor drains
- Toilets bubbling or backing up when other fixtures drain
- Multiple drains clogged at the same time, with foul odor
- Wet, foul-smelling spots in the yard above the sewer line
Sewer Backup? Get a licensed pro on the line now.
Free for homeowners · 24/7 · Licensed local pros
What to do right now
1
Stop all water use
No flushing, no showers, no laundry, no dishwasher. Every gallon you send down has nowhere to go.
2
Keep people and pets away
Sewage carries bacteria and viruses. Keep kids and pets out of affected areas.
3
Don't use chemical cleaners
They won't fix a sewer backup and they make the mess hazardous for cleanup crews.
4
Check your cleanout if you know where it is
An overflowing exterior cleanout confirms the blockage is in your line (your responsibility) vs. the city main. Don't open anything you're unsure about.
5
Call for emergency service
Call (844) 699-1165 now. Sewer emergencies get priority dispatch — describe what you see and smell.
Stay safe
- Treat all backup water as contaminated. Wear gloves and boots if you must enter the area.
- Turn off HVAC if sewage odor is being pulled through vents.
- Don't run water 'to test' — it makes the backup worse.
- If sewage reaches electrical outlets or appliances, stay out and mention it on the call.
Mistakes to avoid
- Flushing 'just once more' to see if it cleared — it didn't, and now there's more.
- Snaking a sewer line yourself without knowing where the blockage is — you can push it deeper or damage the line.
- Assuming it's the city's problem — the lateral from your house to the main is usually yours.
- Delaying the call overnight — backups don't improve with time.
What to tell the plumber when you call
Have these answers ready — it gets you the right pro faster and a more accurate quote.
- Which fixtures are backing up and what you're seeing/smelling
- Whether the exterior cleanout is overflowing (if you checked)
- Whether neighbors have the same problem (points to city main)
- The age of your home and any known sewer line history
- Whether anyone has put the line on a maintenance schedule before
Not quite your problem?
| One slow drain, no sewage | Clogged drain → |
| Water backing up but it's clean | Main drain clog → |
| Yard flooding after rain, no odor | Drainage / sump issues → |
Sewer Backup — FAQs
Is a sewer backup an emergency?
Yes. It's a health hazard and property damage escalates fast. Call (844) 699-1165 now for priority dispatch.
Whose responsibility is the sewer line?
Usually: you own the lateral from your house to the city main (or septic). The city owns the main. If neighbors are affected too, it's likely the main — still call (844) 699-1165 and we'll help you figure out next steps.
What causes sewer backups?
Tree roots, grease buildup, collapsed or bellied pipe, heavy rain overwhelming combined systems, and flushed wipes (even 'flushable' ones). A camera inspection finds the exact cause.
Will hydro-jetting fix it?
Often yes for roots and grease — it scours the line clean. Collapsed or broken pipe needs repair or replacement. Your pro will camera-inspect first and quote upfront.
Sewer Backup Guides by Metro
Same problem, local context — climate, housing, and water conditions that change the advice.
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