What to Expect During an Emergency Sewer Backup Response

Information That Helps Us Respond

An emergency sewer backup response starts with the information you provide when you call. The more our dispatch team understands about the backup, the more accurately we can prepare the right equipment and the right crew.

Useful details include which fixtures are backing up, whether the backup affects the lowest fixtures, and when it started. If you have an exterior cleanout, mention it, since it gives us access to the line. If the water is still overflowing, tell us, since it may require an immediate shutoff. The goal is to give us enough information to dispatch the right response.

Preparing the Property for the Response

While waiting for the response, a few steps protect the family and the property.

• Stop running all water, including toilets, dishwashers, and showers, to avoid adding to the backup
• Keep the family and the pets away from the contaminated area, since the wastewater is a health hazard
• If the water is still overflowing, turn off the main water shutoff valve to stop the flow
• Clear a path to the cleanout or the access point so the technician can reach the line
• Do not attempt to clean the sewage without the proper protective equipment, since the exposure is a health risk
• Have our emergency number, (305) 303-0920, ready in case the situation changes

What Happens During the Response

An emergency response follows a general sequence, though the details depend on the backup. Understanding the stages helps you know what to expect and what to ask.

We begin by confirming the signs with the property owner and locating the access point. We relieve the line pressure, which may involve opening a cleanout or snaking the line, to stop the backup. Once the flow is restored, we clear the obstruction with the right equipment, whether that is a snake, a hydro jetter, or a root cutter.

After the immediate clearing, we run a sewer camera through the line to identify the cause. The camera shows whether the backup was caused by a clog, a root intrusion, a collapsed pipe, or a failing septic system. Based on the inspection, we recommend the right follow-up service to prevent a recurrence. We explain what we are doing and answer any questions throughout the response.

Questions Worth Asking During the Response

During the response, a few questions help the property owner understand the work and what to expect afterward.

• What is causing the backup, and what is included in the clearing?
• Is there a follow-up service needed to prevent a recurrence?
• How long will the clearing take, and will the water be shut off?
• What documentation will we receive for the service?
• Is there maintenance that would prevent this backup from returning?
• What should I watch for after the response, and when should I call?

Preventing a Recurrence

After the backup is cleared, the right follow-up service prevents a recurrence. If the backup was caused by a clog, a regular drain cleaning can prevent the buildup. If the backup was caused by roots, a scheduled hydro jetting can keep the line clear. If the backup was caused by a collapsed pipe, a repair or a replacement is the long-term solution.

For a property with a history of backups, a maintenance agreement is often the best way to prevent the next one. The agreement covers the regular service the line needs at a predictable interval, which prevents the emergencies that clearing only reacts to. We discuss the specific follow-up for your line at the end of the response.

When to Call Us Again

After the response, contact us if the backup returns, if new signs appear, or if the line is not performing as expected. A cleared line should function as it should, and an early call is easier to resolve than a delayed one. For any sign of a new backup, call right away.

All Counties Plumbing serves homeowners and businesses across our confirmed Miami-Dade and Broward territory. Call (305) 303-0920 or submit a service request through our contact page for an emergency response or a follow-up service.