Sewer Backup & Sewage Cleanup in Salt Lake County

Why backups show up in the basement first

A basement floor drain is usually the lowest opening in a home's plumbing. When the sewer lateral (the private line from your house to the public main) is blocked by roots, grease or a collapsed section, or when the main itself backs up, wastewater rises out of that lowest drain first.

Who to call first

• If neighbors have the same problem, or sewage is coming out of a manhole, the public main may be blocked. Call your sewer utility's emergency line. In Salt Lake City, that's the Department of Public Utilities dispatch at (801) 483-6700. Other utilities are on our contacts page.
• If it's only your house, the blockage is often in your own lateral. A plumber or drain company clears it; a restoration provider cleans up the sewage.

Safety first

• Stop running water, flushing toilets and using the washer or dishwasher.
• Keep children and pets away from the area.
• Don't use a household vacuum or fan on sewage. It spreads contamination.
• Wash skin that touched sewage with soap and clean water.

What sewage cleanup involves

Sewage is Category 3 ("black") water. Providers typically remove porous materials it touched, such as carpet, pad and the bottom of drywall, then clean and disinfect hard surfaces before drying. Expect protective equipment and containment, especially in finished basements.

Sewer backup damage usually requires a specific water backup endorsement on a homeowners policy. Check your declarations page.

Where sewer backup cleanup referrals are available

Calls about this service can be connected in these cities and towns:

• Salt Lake City
• West Valley City
• West Jordan
• Sandy
• South Jordan
• Draper
• Murray
• Taylorsville
• Millcreek
• Holladay
• Cottonwood Heights
• Herriman
• Riverton & Bluffdale
• Midvale
• Magna
• Kearns

Questions about sewer backup cleanup