Fast Plumbing Answers: Quick Sewage Backup Fix

You're experiencing a sewage backup. It’s a plumbing emergency that brings your household to a halt, and you need solutions now. 

We’re Mother, a Dallas-Fort Worth plumbing company that provides dependable, hassle-free modern plumbing for homeowners who value quality. Call us if you need fast drain cleaning or sewage backup repair in your DFW home — we’re here 7 days a week to help.

And if you need a quick sewage backup fix while you wait for us? Don't worry — we'll answer all your questions in 2 minutes or less.

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The Fast Answer: Why Your Sewer Is Backing Up

Your sewage is backed up because something is obstructing the flow of wastewater in your main sewer line. This obstruction prevents waste from draining away from your home — so it has nowhere to go but back up into your drains and fixtures. 

It’s easy to blame a simple soft blockage like “too much toilet paper” — but when backups are this bad, a more significant underlying issue is to blame.

Where your sewage backup issue is likely coming from

Backups are found in any branch line in your sewer system. They’re caused by stoppages so severe that water gets stuck behind them.

You can usually identify where your sewage backup is located based on which drains are affected:

• All your drains: the main sewer line in your yard
• Just one bathroom, multiple drains: that bathroom’s branch line is backed up
• Half of the house: the sewer branch line that connects that half of your home to the main line is backed up.

4 common reasons for your wastewater backup problem

Dillon Ashton is one of our trusted DFW plumbers. We asked Dillon for quick, expert advice on why wastewater and sewage back up into people’s homes.

Here are 4 common reasons why sewage is backing up into your house.

1. Old Sewer Pipes: Older pipes, especially those made of cast iron, can corrode, crack, or even collapse over time due to age, ground movement, or external pressure. “As cast iron ages and rusts, you get little burrs on it,” Dillon explains. “Objects in your sewer line stick to them and break.”
2. Tree Root Intrusion: Tree roots naturally seek out water sources and can grow into small cracks or joints in your sewer pipes. Over time, they form a dense network that catches debris and creates a significant blockage.
3. Foreign Objects: Non-flushable items accidentally or intentionally flushed down toilets easily get stuck and create blockages. Common culprits are feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, paper towels, and toys.
4. Shifting Soil: In areas like Texas, shifting soil puts immense pressure on underground pipes — even PVC. "PVC isn't as flexible as we had hoped, but it's the best that the industry offers,” Dillon says. “When the ground shifts, it can break or snap your sewer pipe. We’ll have to expose it and make repairs."

4 Quick Sewage Backup Fix Options (While You Call the Plumber)

Addressing a sewage backup immediately is crucial. While the ultimate fix requires professional intervention, there are a few temporary, safe steps you can take while waiting for your plumber to arrive. 

Don’t use Drano — ever

Don’t pour chemical drain cleaners into your blocked drains before a plumber attempts to fix your sewage backup. They’ll end up with chemical burns on their skin. 

Drano won’t help clear the severe blockages that cause your issue. They will eat away at your drain pipes, causing further damage and extra spot repairs.

Avoid using any water

Do not flush toilets, run faucets, or use any water-consuming appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. This will prevent more wastewater from entering your drainage system and exacerbating the backup.

Locate your main water shut-off valve

If the backup is severe and water is overflowing, consider shutting off your home's main water supply. This will stop any further water from entering your plumbing system.

Rent an auger from Home Depot

If you are dead set on attempting a DIY fix, rent an auger (drain snake) from Home Depot. Be sure to cover your skin with long sleeves, pants and gloves. Cover your face with eye goggles and a face mask. You don’t want any exposure to raw sewage.

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Remember: these are band-aid solutions. The final, safe, and lasting repair should always be left to a qualified plumber due to the health hazards associated with raw sewage.

What to Expect When Your Plumber Arrives

When your Mother Modern Plumbing expert arrives, our priority is to quickly and safely diagnose the cause of your sewage backup and implement a lasting solution.

Locating the reason for your backup

Your plumber begins by thoroughly inspecting your drainage system. This involves using advanced tools such as:

• Sewer camera inspection: A small, flexible camera is inserted into your sewer line to provide a real-time view of the pipe's interior. This allows the plumber to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the blockage or damage, whether it's tree roots, a collapsed sewer pipe, or a foreign object.
• Advanced leak detection services. Mother Modern Plumbing offers state-of-the-art leak location services. Electronic leak location, acoustic leak detection, and thermal imaging devices are used to pinpoint the exact location of your issue.

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Laying out your best repair solutions

Once the cause is identified, your plumber will explain the best course of action.

• For soft blockages or minor root intrusions: hydro jetting and augering. Hydro-jetting or professional snaking may be sufficient to clear the line. Hydro jetting’s high-pressure water system effectively clears out debris, grease, and even some tree roots, thoroughly cleaning the inside of your pipes.
• For damaged or collapsed pipes: spot repairs. "Sometimes there's no course of getting your pipe unclogged. The only course of action is for us to expose that spot, cut it out and make a spot repair on it," Dillon states. This often involves excavating the affected section of the pipe and replacing it.
• For recurring issues: ask for further evaluation. Your plumber may recommend preventative measures or further inspections to identify potential long-term problems.

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A lasting sewage backup fix for your home

The goal is always to provide a permanent solution that prevents future backups. This could mean a simple drain cleaning, a targeted pipe repair, or in severe cases, a full sewer line replacement. 

Our professional plumbers ensure the repair is done correctly, adhere to all codes, and provide you with peace of mind.

Have a Sewage Backup in Your Home? Here's What to Do

A sewage backup is not just an inconvenience; it's a significant health hazard due to the presence of harmful bacteria and pathogens in wastewater. Acting quickly and responsibly is essential.

Prioritize your safety

Immediately leave the affected area. Avoid direct contact with the sewage. Wear gloves, masks, and protective footwear if you must enter the area. Keep children and pets away. Proper ventilation is also crucial.

Call a plumber

Do not attempt DIY fixes for a sewage backup. Only a qualified plumber has the tools, expertise, and safety equipment to properly diagnose and resolve the issue. 

"If you have a backup in your sewer line, the best of course of action is to have a plumber address what's clogged," says Dillon. 

Calling a plumber immediately is your safest and most effective course of action to prevent further damage and health risks.

Call your insurance agent if there’s damage

If your backup caused damage to your home or property, call your insurance agent to assess your options. 

The most common scenario: wastewater overflowed from your toilet or tub and damaged your baseboards and flooring.

Fast, Expert Dallas-Fort Worth Drain Cleaning and Sewer Repair

A sewage backup in your home is an emergency that demands immediate attention. Understanding the potential causes, from simple blockages to more complex pipe damage, empowers you to act decisively. 

While you take quick safety steps, call a plumber to accurately diagnose and fix your sewage backup for good.

Mother Modern Plumbing is your trusted partner for fast, effective sewer line repair and drain cleaning throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our experts are equipped with the knowledge and technology to address your sewage backup quickly, safely, and efficiently.

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