What to Do After a Sewer Backup in Your Basement

A sewer backup in your basement is more than just gross — it’s dangerous, destructive, and stressful. From soaked carpet to ruined drywall and potential mold, time is not on your side.

At CPR—Complete Pipe Repair, we help homeowners throughout the Miami Valley respond quickly, clean safely, and prevent a backup from happening again. If you’ve just experienced a backup, here’s what to do next.

1. Stop Using Water Immediately

Stop flushing toilets, running sinks, using your washing machine, and draining tubs. The water from these actions will worsen the situation and could push more sewage into your home.

2. Avoid the Area if Sewage Is Present

Sewer water contains bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Don’t enter the area without protective gear if there’s standing sewage. Open windows if possible to allow ventilation.

3. Call a Professional Right Away

Sewer backups often point to a serious issue like a collapsed pipe, tree root intrusion, or a significant clog in your main line. We perform emergency video pipe inspections at CPR to find the cause fast and recommend the right solution.

We often follow up with hydrojet cleaning or trenchless repair options depending on the pipe’s condition.

4. Document the Damage for Insurance

Take photos of the affected areas, furniture, and any damaged belongings. Keep a list of everything impacted—it may help if you file a claim with your homeowners insurance.

5. Start the Cleanup Process

Once it’s safe, remove damaged materials like soaked carpet, drywall, or furniture. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. If the backup was severe, consider bringing in a professional remediation company.

How We Prevent Future Backups

Recurring basement backups are often caused by deeper problems, including:

• Cracked or collapsed clay or cast iron pipes
• Root infiltration from mature trees
• Sewer line bellies or low spots that collect waste
• Improperly sloped drain lines in older homes

We use CIPP lining and trenchless sewer repair to fix these issues without digging, saving your yard, driveway, and budget.

Sewer Backup? We’ve Helped Homes Just Like Yours

From Troy and Dayton to Piqua and Greenville, we’ve restored hundreds of homes after basement sewer backups with fast, clean solutions.

Call CPR Today

If your basement floods or your drains are backing up, don’t wait. CPR is ready to respond with no-dig solutions and permanent results.

Call (937) 703-1811 or contact us online to get help quickly.