Sewer Backup in Philadelphia: What to Do Right Now

Steps to Take Right Now

A sewer backup is a health hazard. Act quickly but safely.

• Stop running water: no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher until the line is cleared.
• Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
• Do not walk through standing water near outlets, appliances or extension cords. Shut off basement power at the panel only if you can reach it while staying dry.
• Do not open a house trap or cleanout cap on a backed up line; wastewater can rush out.
• Take photos and video of the water, damage and belongings before cleanup.
• Call a drain cleaning company to clear the main line, then call your insurance company.

Why Sewers Back Up in Philadelphia

There are two main causes. The most common is a blockage in your own main drain or lateral: roots in clay pipe, grease, wipes, scale in old cast iron, or a clog at the house trap. In that case the backup usually happens when you use water, and it shows up at the lowest drain, typically the basement floor drain.

The second cause is weather. Much of older Philadelphia is served by a combined sewer system, which carries storm water and sewage in the same pipes. During heavy rain, those pipes can fill, and water can push back toward low basement drains. If your basement backs up mainly during big storms, that points to a surcharge problem rather than a simple clog, though a partly blocked lateral can make it worse.

Telling the two apart matters, because the fix is different. A blocked lateral needs cleaning and possibly repair. A storm surcharge problem calls for protection like a backwater valve. A camera inspection after the line is cleared helps sort out which one you are dealing with.

Cleaning Up Safely

Sewage carries bacteria and other contaminants. Wear rubber boots, gloves and eye protection if you handle any cleanup. Porous items soaked by sewage, like carpet, padding, upholstered furniture and cardboard boxes, usually need to be thrown out. Hard surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected.

For larger backups, a professional water damage and restoration company can dry the space and treat it to prevent mold. The drain must be cleared first, or the backup can return during cleanup.

Keep receipts for cleanup supplies, disposal and any professional services, along with your photos. Insurers often ask for this documentation.

Who Is Responsible for the Sewer Lateral?

In Philadelphia the property owner is generally responsible for the sewer lateral, the pipe that runs from the house out to the city main under the street. That means clogs, roots and breaks in that pipe are usually the owner's cost to fix, even the portion under the sidewalk.

The Philadelphia Water Department operates the city sewer mains. If a camera inspection shows the problem is in the city main itself, or many neighbors on the block are backing up at the same time, contact PWD. Check PWD's current information for programs and guidance that may apply to your home.

If you rent, report the backup to your landlord or property manager right away, in writing if you can. In most rentals the owner arranges the drain cleaning and repairs to the lateral, while tenants should document damage to their own belongings for renters insurance.

Backwater Valves and Other Prevention

A backwater valve is a one way valve installed on the main drain. It lets wastewater flow out to the sewer but closes when water tries to come back in. For homes in areas where the combined sewer surcharges during storms, a backwater valve can be one of the most effective protections. It needs periodic cleaning and inspection to keep working.

Other steps help too: have the main line cleaned and camera inspected if it has clogged before, keep grease and wipes out of drains, and make sure floor drain and house trap cleanout caps are tight and in good shape.

Some homes also benefit from raising or plugging very low drains that rarely get used, or adding a standpipe to a floor drain. A plumber can look at your basement layout and suggest what fits.

Getting Help from Fullerton

Fullerton Plumbing answers 24/7. We clear the main line, camera it to find the cause and explain whether it was a blockage, roots, a broken section or a storm surcharge. We give an upfront quote before work starts and can talk through backwater valve options. Call (518) 776-7838.