Keep people and pets away from contaminated water. Stop all water use (toilets, showers, laundry). If safe, shut power to the affected basement area at the panel—never touch electricity while standing in water. Move valuables off the floor and take photos for insurance.

If the backup follows heavy rain, neighbours are also affected, and your floor drain is overflowing, it often points to a municipal main surcharge. A single home with recurring clogs, tree roots, or older clay/cast pipe usually indicates a private line problem. Use the tool above (tick rain/neighbours/floor drain) for a quick read, then see Sewer Backup Repairs for what we’ll do next.

A backwater valve closes during surcharges to stop sewage from flowing back into your home. Homes with basement fixtures lower than the street, frequent backups after storms, or older neighbourhood laterals are strong candidates. Our techs can confirm eligibility during a visit and provide a written quote. Learn more and schedule an assessment on Sewer Backup Repairs or Book Online.

Common causes include tree roots invading older clay/cast lines, grease and wipes building up in kitchen and main runs, collapsed or sagging pipe (settlement), and storm-related surcharging. Toilets that gurgle and floor drains that overflow together often signal a mainline restriction. See Clogged Pipes & Drains for causes and fixes, and our guide Toilet Backing Up?.

If multiple homes on your street are affected right after heavy rain, call the City to report a possible municipal issue—then book us to protect your property. If yours is the only home affected, or you have repeats, roots, or older piping, call a licensed plumber first.

If the backup repeats, your line is older (clay/cast), you have large trees, or we removed heavy grease/scale, a drain camera helps find root intrusion, a collapsed section, or a belly in the line. That lets us recommend a lasting fix (spot repair, lining, periodic jetting).

Yes—sewage can contain bacteria and gases. Wear gloves/boots if you must enter the area; avoid skin contact and vapours. Don’t run fans that could spread aerosols. Many cases qualify for professional remediation and insurance claims. We’ll stabilise the line, advise on safe cleanup steps, and document findings.

Keep grease, wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products out of drains; install strainers; and run hot water after kitchen use. For root-prone or older lines, schedule periodic jetting and consider a camera baseline. If eligible, add a backwater valve and maintain it annually.