What causes a home sewer backup?

A home sewer backup typically occurs when the main sewer line becomes clogged or damaged. Common causes include: Tree root intrusion Flushed non-biodegradable items Grease buildup Collapsed or cracked sewer pipes Heavy rain overwhelming the municipal system If you’re noticing slow drains, gurgling toilets, or foul odors, it’s time to consult a qualified sewer backup plumber .

How can I tell if my sewer line is backing up?

Warning signs of a home sewer backup include: Water backing up from drains or toilets Multiple drains clogging at once Sewage odors inside or outside the home Bubbling or gurgling sounds in pipes Soggy spots or patches of bright green grass in the yard Don’t wait— schedule a sewer inspection to catch the issue before it worsens.

What should I do during a sewer backup emergency?

If your sewer system backs up: Stop running water or using plumbing fixtures Avoid using harsh chemicals to clear the blockage Turn off the electricity in affected areas Contact a professional sewer backup plumber immediately Follow emergency plumbing procedures.

How do sewer companies fix a backup?

Sewer companies typically use advanced tools and techniques to diagnose and repair backups, such as: Sewer camera inspection Hydro jetting (high-pressure cleaning) Pipe lining or pipe replacement Root removal and debris clearing To get started, book a professional sewer inspection and repair service tailored to your home’s needs.

Are sewer backups covered by homeowners' insurance?

Sometimes. Coverage for home sewer backup depends on your specific policy. Many insurers offer backup coverage as an add-on rider. It’s best to: Review your homeowner's insurance policy Check for any limitations or exclusions Ask about optional sewer backup coverage Always consult your insurance agent for details related to your home.

How can I prevent sewer system backups?

To help prevent backups: Don’t flush wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products Avoid pouring grease or oil down drains Install a backwater prevention valve Schedule annual sewer camera inspections Maintain nearby trees to reduce root intrusion Prevention starts with proactive plumbing maintenance .

What’s the difference between a storm drain and a sewer drain?

Storm drains carry rainwater and runoff from streets into natural water sources. Sewer drains move wastewater from homes to treatment facilities. A backup in your sewer line will usually cause issues indoors, while storm drain problems often lead to outdoor flooding.

Professional Sewer Drain Services

Sewer drain problems can cause slow drainage, recurring backups, sewage odors, and wastewater issues in your home. Mr. Rooter Plumbing® provides professional sewer drain services to inspect the problem, explain your options, recommend the appropriate solution, and share flat-rate pricing before work begins. Contact your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing to schedule service.

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What to Expect During Sewer Drain Service

Every sewer drain service begins with a review of the symptoms affecting your home. Your service professional will inspect the affected plumbing and may recommend diagnostic tools, such as a video camera inspection, to better understand the location, severity, and possible cause of the sewer drain issue.
After completing the inspection, your service professional explains what they found, and recommends the most appropriate service. Depending on the condition of your sewer drain system, recommendations may include professional drain cleaning, HydroScrub® Jetting, sewer line repair or replacement, or other plumbing services when appropriate.
Once you approve the service and flat-rate price, your service professional completes the work using professional equipment and methods suited to your plumbing system. Before leaving, they'll explain the work performed backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise®, answer your questions, and discuss any findings that may require follow-up service.

Understanding Sewer Drain Problems

Sewer drain problems can have a variety of causes, and similar symptoms don't always have the same cause. Buildup, tree root intrusion, pipe damage, shifting soil, and aging sewer lines can all affect how wastewater moves through your plumbing system and away from your home. Warning signs may include recurring backups, multiple slow drains, sewage odors, gurgling sounds, or water backing up into tubs, showers, toilets, or floor drains. Professional sewer drain service helps identify whether the issue may be cleared with drain cleaning or HydroScrub Jetting, or whether sewer line repair or replacement should be considered.

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Our team at Mr. Rooter offers comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services. If you’re experiencing a plumbing emergency at home or need routine maintenance at your business, turn to our experienced team for maintenance and repairs you can trust. All our work is fully guaranteed and performed by local, licensed service professionals.

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4 Ways to Unclog a Toilet That Won’t Drain

When your toilet won’t drain, it’s easy to feel stuck—literally. Whether it’s due to too much toilet paper, a hidden obstruction, or a buildup in your pipes, knowing how to unblock a badly blocked toilet is a top priority.

How to Block a Bathtub Drain Without a Plug

There are few things as relaxing as soaking in a hot bath after a hard day of work. However, that joy can turn into frustration when you realize you don’t have a bath stopper or it’s no longer doing its job.

How to Clean a Smelly Drain

There are few instances where you’ll put on your investigative hat faster than when you smell something stinky in your kitchen or bathroom.

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Determining Plumbing Service Costs

In our years of experience, we have found that our customers prefer an accurate price based on their exact plumbing problem. Most phone quotes are subject to change once the service technician sees the job. We don't think that is fair to you. By allowing us to diagnose your plumbing problem in person, you will know exactly what it will take to get the job done.

How Much Is a Plumbing Inspection?

A typical plumbing inspection can vary in price depending on the size of your home or property. With Mr. Rooter®, an in-home inspection is completely free with repair or any other type of plumbing service. This includes an in-depth inspection from a trained and licensed plumbing professional.

10 Common Water Heater Problems + How To Fix Them

Water heaters are essential for your home, providing warm showers, clean dishes, and sanitized laundry. When water heaters malfunction, it can disrupt your daily routine. Some of the most common signs that a water heater is not working are a strange odor, a leaking water tank, low water pressure, and a noisy water heater.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Drains

Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a one-stop solution for all your plumbing service needs. Whether you need a pipe repaired, clogs cleared, or drains cleaned, you can count on our experienced team to get the job done right! Our commitment to exceptional service includes answering your questions. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about sewer drains:

A home sewer backup typically occurs when the main sewer line becomes clogged or damaged. Common causes include:
- Tree root intrusion
- Flushed non-biodegradable items
- Grease buildup
- Collapsed or cracked sewer pipes
- Heavy rain overwhelming the municipal system
If you’re noticing slow drains, gurgling toilets, or foul odors, it’s time to consult a qualified sewer backup plumber.
Warning signs of a home sewer backup include:
- Water backing up from drains or toilets
- Multiple drains clogging at once
- Sewage odors inside or outside the home
- Bubbling or gurgling sounds in pipes
- Soggy spots or patches of bright green grass in the yard
Don’t wait—schedule a sewer inspection to catch the issue before it worsens.
If your sewer system backs up:
1. Stop running water or using plumbing fixtures
2. Avoid using harsh chemicals to clear the blockage
3. Turn off the electricity in affected areas
4. Contact a professional sewer backup plumber immediately
Follow emergency plumbing procedures.
Sewer companies typically use advanced tools and techniques to diagnose and repair backups, such as:
- Sewer camera inspection
- Hydro jetting (high-pressure cleaning)
- Pipe lining or pipe replacement
- Root removal and debris clearing
To get started, book a professional sewer inspection and repair service tailored to your home’s needs.
Sometimes. Coverage for home sewer backup depends on your specific policy. Many insurers offer backup coverage as an add-on rider. It’s best to:
- Review your homeowner's insurance policy
- Check for any limitations or exclusions
- Ask about optional sewer backup coverage
Always consult your insurance agent for details related to your home.
To help prevent backups:
- Don’t flush wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products
- Avoid pouring grease or oil down drains
- Install a backwater prevention valve
- Schedule annual sewer camera inspections
- Maintain nearby trees to reduce root intrusion
Prevention starts with proactive plumbing maintenance.
Storm drains carry rainwater and runoff from streets into natural water sources. Sewer drains move wastewater from homes to treatment facilities. A backup in your sewer line will usually cause issues indoors, while storm drain problems often lead to outdoor flooding.

See All FAQs

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Let Us Call You

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone Number*

Street Address*

ZIP Code*

Yes! You can text me service reminders and other messages.

By checking this box, I agree to opt in to receive automated SMS and/or MMS messages from Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company and its franchisees to the provided mobile number(s). Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. View Terms and Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to opt out of future messages. Reply HELP for help.

By entering your email address, you agree to receive emails about services, updates or promotions, and you agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

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Plumbing isn’t just about leaks, pipes, and gaskets - it’s about people. Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchisees offer you a career path for growth, and will treat you with the same respect and integrity that they treat their own friends and family, because at the end of the day, you can’t serve customers well without a happy, motivated, and committed team. Creating a culture with an exemplary work ethic is just as important as plumbing, and it’s part of everything Mr. Rooter Plumbing does.

Start your career with us today. We offer exciting opportunities for growth and success in an important space.

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