When sewage comes up through a floor drain, tub or toilet, treat it as a health hazard. It carries bacteria, and it does not belong on a floor you walk on. Stay out of the water, keep children and pets away and call (301) 936-0619. The line is answered 24/7, and we handle the cleanup once the line is cleared.
Why A Drain Throws Water Back
A backup begins with a blockage somewhere downstream. The cause may be roots, grease, a collapsed section of pipe or a clog in the main, and the water goes to the lowest open fixture, which is often a basement floor drain or a shower.
Heavy rain can also overload the sewer system, so a backup may follow a storm even when your own line is clear. The cause decides who responds first, and the cleanup need is the same either way.
Who Owns Which Part Of The Line
WSSC Water, the sewer utility for Temple Hills, says the property owner maintains the sewer service from the property line to the building. WSSC maintains only the connection to its main. WSSC also recommends hiring a WSSC-registered plumber or sewer drain cleaner to clear the service line, and it says only registered master plumbers may excavate and repair underground sewer pipe with a permit.
If the blockage is in WSSC's main, WSSC says it clears it at no charge. Its 24-hour emergency number is 301-206-4002. WSSC also lists a Claims Office at 301-206-7095 for property damage in cases such as roots or a broken WSSC pipe. We do not decide who is responsible, so call the utility and a plumber in parallel with us.
Drain backing up now?
Stop using water, keep everyone out of the area and call (301) 936-0619.
What Sewage Water Does To A Home
| Material | Typical outcome | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet and pad | Removed and discarded | Contaminated water soaks fibers and cannot be sanitized in place |
| Lower drywall and insulation | Cut out above the wet line | Porous material holds contamination |
| Tile, concrete and sealed surfaces | Cleaned and disinfected | Hard surfaces can be washed and treated |
| Wood cabinets and trim | Case by case | Depends on absorption and finish |
Health And Safety Steps Before Help Arrives
Sewage backup safety
Do not use the toilets, tubs or sinks that are backing up. Avoid walking through the water, and if you must, wear waterproof boots and gloves. Keep food, dishes and toys away from the area and wash your hands well afterward.
Do not run a household vacuum or a fan across sewage water. Shut off power to a flooded basement only if you can do so from a dry location, and call us for extraction once the area is safe.
Sewage on the floor?
Call (301) 936-0619 and tell the dispatcher which drain it came from and how far it spread.
Our Cleanup Process
The crew sets up containment with plastic sheeting where needed and wears protective gear. Standing sewage is extracted with pumps and wet vacuums, and contaminated porous material is bagged and removed.
Surfaces are cleaned and then treated with an EPA-registered disinfectant, following the label. Air movers and dehumidifiers dry the space, and readings are taken to confirm. We treat sewage as the most contaminated water category described in the ANSI/IICRC S500 standard, which we use as a reference.
For backups that come with storm or groundwater entry, our flood damage restoration page covers the broader picture.
Sewage on the floor?
Do not clean it yourself. Call (301) 936-0619 and a crew will handle removal and sanitizing.
Sewage cleanups differ more in scope than in kind, so the factors below set the cost.
- Area affected. A bathroom is smaller than a finished basement.
- Materials removed. Carpet, pad and drywall removal add labor.
- Depth of the water. Deeper water means more extraction and more wall removal.
- Containment. Sealing off a living space adds setup.
- Drying and sanitizing. Contaminated spaces need cleaning before drying.
Sewage scopes are written down before cleanup begins, so call (301) 936-0619 to discuss yours.
Insurance And Sewer Backups
Homeowners policies often exclude sewer and drain backup unless the policy has a water and sewer backup endorsement. Ask your insurer which coverage applies before assuming either way. We document the loss with photos and a list of what was removed. Flood insurance and homeowners coverage differ, and your insurer or agent decides which fits.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Mopping sewage with household tools and leaving porous materials in place.
- Using the fixtures that are backing up to see whether the problem is gone.
- Mixing bleach with other cleaners.
- Skipping photographs before cleanup begins.
We clean up backups in Oxon Hill and Suitland as well, and for a wet basement without sewage see basement water damage cleanup.
Common Questions
Is emergency sewage backup cleanup available in Temple Hills?
Yes. Calls about backups are taken at any hour, and a crew goes out the same day when one is open. Stay out of the water and stop using the fixtures that are backing up.
Who clears the blockage?
A WSSC-registered plumber or sewer drain cleaner clears blockages in your service line. If the blockage is in WSSC's main, WSSC clears it. We handle extraction, removal and sanitizing.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
It depends on how far the backup spread. Keep children, pets and anyone with health concerns out of the affected area, and ask the dispatcher for guidance.
Can carpet be saved after a sewage backup?
In most cases it is removed. Contaminated water soaks into fibers and pad, and these materials cannot be cleaned reliably in place.