Sewage backup: what to do in the first hour

1. Get people and pets out of the area. Keep children away entirely.
2. Stop adding water. Don’t flush, run sinks, showers, the dishwasher or the washing machine anywhere in the house.
3. Stay clear of electricity. If water is near outlets, cords or appliances, don’t walk through it. Shut off power to the area only if you can reach the panel without touching water.
4. Turn off the HVAC if the furnace or return vents are in the affected area, so contaminated air isn’t spread.
5. Take photos and video of the water, the source and damaged items before anything is moved.
6. Don’t try to clean it up with household products or a shop vac. Sewage is Category 3 water and needs PPE, containment and EPA-registered antimicrobials.
7. Call your insurer and a restoration company. Many policies only cover sewer backup with an endorsement — check yours.

True Day Water Damage Restoration is based in South Jordan, UT and live-answered 24/7 at (385) 247-9359. Owner Michael Bass is paged on every sewage call. The inspection is free, and we bill your insurer directly in Xactimate. Sewage cleanup →