After a sewer backup, call a plumber to find and address the cause, and tell your landlord or property manager if you rent. Depending on the situation, you may also need to contact NYC 311, your insurance company or a professional cleaning company.
A sewer backup often involves more than one problem at once: a plumbing issue, a mess that needs safe cleanup and sometimes damage to the property. Knowing who handles each part can save time and confusion.
A Plumber for the Cause
A plumber can look for why wastewater came back into the building. The cause may be a blockage, buildup or damage in the drain or sewer line. In some cases, the problem may be in the city sewer rather than on the property.
Until the cause is addressed, limit water use so more wastewater does not come up. Keep people and pets away from the affected area and avoid touching the water.
Your Landlord, Super or Property Manager
Renters should report a sewer backup to the landlord or building staff right away, in writing if possible. In apartment buildings, the backup may involve a line shared by other units, so building staff may need to arrange access and alert other residents.
If an indoor sewage leak or odor is not being handled, tenants can report it through the NYC 311 sewage leak or odor page. Property owners who think the backup started in the city sewer can also report it to 311.
Other Calls That May Be Needed
Depending on what happened, you may also need to contact:
- Your insurance company: coverage for sewer backups varies by policy, so ask what your plan includes and what records they need.
- A professional cleaning company: large or heavily soiled areas may need cleanup by people trained to handle sewage.
- A doctor or health provider: if someone feels sick after contact, or a cut was exposed to the water.
- Your utility or building staff: if water is near electrical panels, outlets or gas appliances.
If you smell gas, leave the building and call 911 or your gas company from a safe place.
Keep a Simple Record
Take photos of the affected area before anything is moved, if you can do so without touching the water. Write down the date and time, which drains were involved and who you contacted. Keep any 311 tracking numbers, repair notes and receipts. These records can help with insurance claims and with planning any follow-up work.
Our role as a plumbing company is the plumbing side. We do not provide sewage remediation or restoration, but we can help find and fix what caused the water to come back.
If you are dealing with a backup at your Bronx home or building, call (929) 209-6183. Our sewer backup service is available 24/7, including nights, Sundays and holidays.
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