Coping with a Sewer Backup

If you have a backup, call us at 580-581-3422 (24 hours a day). We will dispatch a maintenance crew to your address to find out if the stoppage is in the City main or your private line (sewer lateral).

If the sewer main is found to be clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a licensed plumber or drain service to correct the problem. The City cannot recommend any plumber. Check your Yellow Pages or Business Pages. You may want to get at least three estimates from reputable plumbers. Check references to be sure you're dealing with a reputable plumber.

The City will not pay for private plumber bills. If the stoppage is in the City main we will fix it as quickly as possible and keep you informed about what is being done.

A sewer backup creates a stressful and emotional situation for all affected parties. Potentially it may cause health and safety exposures as well as significant property loss. Proper responses to sewer backups can greatly minimize losses from negative health effects and property damages. Every backup is unique and will require different responses but there are some universal principles that can be applied to all situations.

Sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house, and the risk of electrocution. Prompt cleanup of affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and damage. You should immediately arrange for a thorough, professional, sanitized cleanup of your affected property:

	If a dishwasher, washing machine, shower, bathtub, toilet or other water fixture is operating shut it off immediately.
	Quickly close all drain openers with stoppers or plugs. Tub, sink and floor drains may need additional weight to keep them sealed. A string mop can be used to help plug toilets.
	Keep children and animals out of the affected area.
	Potential health and safety hazards must be identified and, if possible, eliminated prior to implementing cleaning or restoration procedures. Before entering the affected area the potential for electrical shock hazards and gas leaks must be assessed.
	Unplug all electrical appliances, small electrical devices on wet floor covering or other wet areas and turn off the circuit breakers supplying electricity to affected areas.
	Turn off the gas (or other fuel source) to your furnace or heater and hot water heater.
	Call the department of Public Works. Wastewater employees will check to make sure our main lines are not plugged.
	Move any uncontaminated property away from the affected areas.
	Take before-and-after photos of the affected areas.
	Treat all water soaked surfaces, furnishings and items as unhealthy until properly cleaned and sanitized.
	Do not use any electrical equipment while standing in water.
	Wet-vacuum or remove spillage.
	Operate wet vacuums only when plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter or ground fault equipped outlet.
	Mop bare floors and wipe walls with a bleach solution, soap and disinfectants. Bleach solutions (one part bleach to ten parts water) are the most effective disinfectants, but may cause discoloration of many materials.
	Flush out and disinfect plumbing fixtures.
	Steam clean, remove or discard carpet and drapes.
	Remove and discard upholstered furniture and porous wood furniture stained by sewage.
	Sanitize and clean hardwood furniture, then thoroughly wipe, dry and apply an oil-based wood polish.
	Sanitize and repair, or remove and discard, paneling, wallboard or wall coverings.
	Clean up appliances or ductwork. If electric motors, wiring or insulation have been saturated have a qualified service technician to remove the motor, dry it, and inspect for damage before plugging them back in and turning them on.

Ventilate the affected area with floor fans and a dehumidifier, if available, to properly dry the area.