Quick Answer: In the case of a sewer backup in your Milton home, you’ll need to cease all water use right away, steer clear of the water, turn off the electricity in the area of standing water and reach out to a licensed emergency plumber. DO NOT attempt to remove a main line blockage by yourself – bacteria and viruses are present in sewage that can be a health hazard.
A sewer backup will not provide any notice. Suddenly your basement is dry, and suddenly you have to unplug something from the water that is standing in the basement. If you’re in this situation now, here is exactly how and what you should do to prevent it from ever occurring again.
What Causes a Sewer Backup in Basement Spaces?
There’s one reason for most sewage backup in basement areas: There’s no place for the water to go but up your lowest drain.
Common causes include:
- Clogs from main line grease, wipes, hair and debris only get thicker over the years until the line severs completely.
- Water seeking tree roots can break, or penetrate older clay pipes that are prevalent throughout Milton and Oakville.
- During storms, heavy rain and/or municipal systems can cause the water to back up through your basement floor drain, flooding your basement.
- Older or deteriorating pipes/homes (20-30 years and older) are more likely to have a collapsed or offset sewer lateral.
- Flushing anything that is not toilet paper causes “flushable” wipes, paper towels and feminine products to not disintegrate.
Signs Your Basement Drain Is Backed Up
If a basement drain backs up, there are usually warning signs. Watch for:
- Gurgling sounds from toilets, sinks, or the floor drain
- Slow drainage in multiple fixtures at once
- Sewage odor near the floor drain backup in basement area
- Water backing up in the tub or shower when you flush the toilet
- Standing water or dark, foul-smelling liquid at the lowest drain in your home
When more than one drain is clogged at a time, it is almost always a symptom of a drain pipe backup due to a blockage somewhere in the main pipe, not directly from a single blockage.
What to Do During an Active Sewer Backup
- Stop all water use, no showers, laundry, or dishwashing until the blockage clears
- Shut off electricity to the basement if water is near outlets or panels
- Keep kids and pets away from the affected area sewage is a Category 3 biohazard
- Don’t attempt DIY drain clearing on a main line backup toilet auger only helps with isolated fixture clogs, not a blocked municipal connection
- Photograph the damage before cleanup begins, for insurance purposes
- Call a 24 hour plumber right away
Key takeaway: As sewage waits for too long, there will be increased health risks and repair expenses. The first hour is all about speed.
DIY vs. Calling a Plumber
| Situation | Can You DIY? |
| Single slow floor drain, no odor | Try a toilet auger or plunger |
| Multiple drains backing up at once | Nocall a professional |
| Visible sewage or standing water | No biohazard risk |
| Gurgling from more than one fixture | Not likely a main line issue |
| Backup after heavy rain | No likely municipal overload |
If you have a plumbing repair in your main sewer line, it must be repaired using special equipment and a camera inspection, which many homeowners don’t own.
Is Sewer Backup Covered by Home Insurance in Canada?
Most home insurance policies in Canada don’t include sewer backup coverage as standard coverage. It is available as an optional endorsement for most insurance companies, and it’s best to review the details of your insurance policy or speak with your broker before you have an emergency, before the emergency occurs. Be sure to take photos and have receipts from your plumbing company for the claim.
How to Prevent a Basement Floor Drain Backing Up
Prevention beats cleanup. A local plumbers service team that you can trust can install:
- Backwater valves a one-way gate that blocks municipal sewage from flowing back into your home
- Sump pumps with battery backup keep groundwater and stormwater from overwhelming your system
- Annual drain camera inspections catch root intrusion or pipe damage early
- Routine drain cleaning clears grease and debris before it becomes a full blockage
Check with your plumbing company if your address is eligible for a rebate by many Ontario municipalities for backwater valve and sump pump installation.
How Much Does Emergency Sewer Backup Cleanup Cost?
Sewer backup repair costs will depend on the extent of the problem, but may cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on whether it involves fixing this clog or replacing the sewage line or cleaning up the water damage. The quicker you react to a plumbing leak or backup the more affordable it will be.
Why Milton Homeowners Trust BOS Plumbing and Drains
BOS Plumbing and Drains has seen all of the above for over 20 years, dealing with drain and sewer backup emergencies in Milton, Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, Hamilton, Niagara, Cambridge and Etobicoke (in the GTA). They have a staff that provides genuine 24-hour plumber service, camera drain inspections, back water valve installation, and complete-service drain cleanings, not to mention quick fixes. From a plumber mississauga, plumber oakville or plumber brampton homeowners can expect, BOS’ response is always quick and honest to every job.
FAQs
1. What should I do first during a sewer backup?
Stop using water in your home immediately and call a licensed emergency plumber using more water only adds to the backup.
2. Can I use a toilet auger for a sewer backup?
A toilet auger works for isolated fixture clogs, but not for a main line blockage affecting multiple drains.
3. Is sewage backup dangerous to my health?
Yes. Raw sewage contains bacteria and viruses, so professional cleanup with proper protective equipment is strongly recommended.
4. Does a backwater valve stop basement flooding?
Yes, in most cases. It blocks sewage from flowing back into your home when the municipal line is overwhelmed.
5. How much does a plumber cost for a sewer backup emergency in Milton?
Pricing depends on cause and severity; a straightforward clog costs less than main line repair. Ask for a clear quote before work begins.
Final Thoughts
While a sewer backup is a stressful event, swiftly taking the right actions and knowing when it’s time to call in the pros before you grab a toilet auger will save your home and your health. Call BOS Plumbing and Drains to call in the 24/7 team for a sewage backup emergency in basement areas in Milton and the GTA.