What to Do in the First 10 Minutes of a Sewage Backup

When sewage starts backing up, a calm, quick response protects your family and your home. Keep this checklist handy.

Your first steps

Stop using all water and plumbing immediately. Keep everyone — especially children and pets — away from the contaminated area. If you can do so safely, shut off electricity to the affected room and open windows for ventilation. Do not attempt to clean sewage yourself.

Then call for help

Call a certified sewage cleanup team right away, and if it is safe, take a few photos for your insurance records. The faster professionals begin containment, the less the contamination spreads.