What to Do if Your Sewer Is Backing Up

A sewer backup is more than just an unpleasant inconvenience—it’s a serious health hazard that can quickly damage flooring, walls, and personal property. Raw sewage is considered hazardous waste, containing harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that require immediate, careful handling. That’s why ASDT offers fast and reliable professional sewage cleanup services across Tennessee to protect homes, businesses, and the people in them.

When sewer lines overflow, time is of the essence. Here’s what to do first, what steps you can take on your own, and when it’s time to call in our team of professionals.

Step One: Stay Safe and Contain the Mess

The first priority in any sewage backup is health and safety.

• Avoid direct contact with standing water. Sewage can transmit dangerous pathogens and may be classified as hazardous and non-hazardous waste, depending on what it contains.
• Shut off your main water supply to prevent further flow into contaminated areas.
• Turn off electricity at the breaker if the affected area is near outlets or appliances.
• Block off the space using towels, plastic sheeting, or sandbags to keep sewage from spreading.
• Call ASDT at 615-207-3877 for rapid assistance.

Quick containment limits the damage and keeps the situation under control until help arrives.

Step Two: DIY Mitigation Steps You Can Do While You Wait for a Pro

While it’s best to leave most cleanup to professionals, there are a few safe steps you can take to limit damage and stay protected before ASDT arrives.

Keep the Area Contained

Focus on stopping the spread. Lay down rolled towels or plastic sheeting to block off doorways and keep wastewater from reaching unaffected areas. If the sewage is confined to a bathroom or utility space, try to close the door and avoid tracking contaminants through your home or business.

Stay Safe—Don’t Touch the Water

Avoid contact with the sewage and don’t try to remove and dispose of it on your own. Even small amounts can contain harmful bacteria and viruses. If you must be near the area, wear rubber gloves and waterproof boots, and avoid breathing in the air if there’s a strong odor. Opening windows can help with ventilation, but only if it’s safe to do so.

Don’t Use Your Plumbing

Until the issue is resolved, avoid flushing toilets, running faucets, or draining tubs or sinks—doing so can make the backup worse. If you’ve already shut off your main water supply, leave it off until a professional gives you the all-clear.

Step 3: Let Our Restoration Service Pros Do Their Work

Even a small sewer backup can create big problems if it’s not handled correctly. If you’re dealing with contaminated water, foul odors, or more than just a single room, professional restoration isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

At ASDT, we respond quickly with specialized equipment and trained technicians who know exactly how to tackle sewage contamination, eliminate health hazards, and dry your structure completely. We’ll take it from here with a full range of sewage treatment services and waste disposal services designed to protect your property and the people inside it.

Advanced Drying & Decontamination

We don’t just clean up the mess—we make sure it’s truly gone. Our team uses industrial-grade extractors, low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers, and EPA-registered antimicrobial treatments to eliminate bacteria, pathogens, and moisture at the source. We also use thermal imaging and moisture meters to locate hidden water damage behind walls, under flooring, or in other hard-to-reach areas, restoring your home or business to a clean, dry, and safe condition.

Insurance and Documentation Help

Sewer backups are stressful enough—navigating your insurance claim shouldn’t add to the chaos. ASDT provides detailed documentation, including photo evidence, damage assessments, and itemized reports. We work with your adjuster to make sure nothing gets missed and your claim gets processed faster.

Preventing Backups in the Future

Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Annual plumbing inspections can help identify issues before they cause backups. Your local plumber can use video camera inspections to spot root intrusion, corrosion, or joint misalignments before they escalate. Regular drain cleanings also help keep wastewater flowing properly.

Responsible Waste Disposal Practices

Improper disposal is one of the most common causes of backups. Avoid flushing grease, oil, or non-flushable items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, or cotton swabs. In commercial settings, installing and regularly cleaning grease traps is essential.

For large-scale waste needs, consider working with companies that specialize in waste disposal services to manage both routine and emergency concerns.

Installing Backflow Prevention Devices

Backflow devices prevent sewage from reversing into your property during municipal surges or storms. A plumber can assess your system, recommend the best option, and help you maintain it over time. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference.

Consider Your Landscaping

Proper exterior grading and landscaping play a surprisingly important role in preventing sewer backups and keeping your system running smoothly. If water tends to pool around your foundation during storms, it’s worth taking a closer look at how your property drains.

• Ensure the ground slopes away from your building—ideally at a 2% grade or more—to direct water toward storm drains instead of sewer cleanouts.
• Avoid planting trees or large shrubs near sewer lines. Root intrusion is one of the top causes of underground pipe damage and blockages.
• Use permeable materials—like gravel, mulch, or permeable pavers—in areas prone to pooling. These help reduce runoff and ease pressure on your drainage system.

Need help? Reach out to a licensed landscaping contractor, drainage specialist, or civil engineer with experience in water management. These professionals can evaluate your property and recommend effective solutions—from regrading low spots to installing French drains or surface drainage systems.

When It Comes to Sewage Cleanup, Every Second Counts

If you’re dealing with a sewer backup, don’t wait to take action. The longer wastewater sits, the greater the risk to your health, your property, and your peace of mind. Fast, professional sewer backup cleanup not only minimizes damage but can also save you thousands in restoration and repair costs.

Call ASDT at 615-207-3877 or contact us online for 24/7 emergency sewage cleanup and water damage restoration services.