What to Do When Sewage Backs Up
Protect people and the home first
Keep children and pets away from the sewage and from any water near outlets or appliances. Stop using every sink, toilet, tub, washer and dishwasher so no more water goes down the line. Do not touch electrical panels or wet cords, and do not open a cleanout while the line is full.
Stop the water and limit damage
Wear gloves and boots, move belongings off the wet floor, and air out the room if you can do so safely. Leave cleanup of sewage-soaked carpet or drywall until the line is cleared.
Call to reach a plumber
If neighbors on your street also have backups, report it to the City of Meridian Public Works first, since the city's main may be the cause. Otherwise, tell the plumber which drains backed up, when it started, and whether water is still rising.
Sewage left standing soaks into flooring, drywall and framing and needs careful cleanup. Learn about sewer backup emergencies or call the referral line.
Keep children and pets away from the sewage and from any water near outlets or appliances. Stop using every sink, toilet, tub, washer and dishwasher so no more water goes down the line. Do not touch electrical panels or wet cords, and do not open a cleanout while the line is full.
Stop the water and limit damage
Wear gloves and boots, move belongings off the wet floor, and air out the room if you can do so safely. Leave cleanup of sewage-soaked carpet or drywall until the line is cleared.
Call to reach a plumber
If neighbors on your street also have backups, report it to the City of Meridian Public Works first, since the city's main may be the cause. Otherwise, tell the plumber which drains backed up, when it started, and whether water is still rising.
Sewage left standing soaks into flooring, drywall and framing and needs careful cleanup. Learn about sewer backup emergencies or call the referral line.