Sewage coming up into a tub, toilet, or floor drain means the main line is blocked — every flush makes it worse. This is an emergency, not a wait-and-see.
If multiple drains are backing up at the same time — especially the lowest ones in the house like floor drains or ground-floor toilets — the problem is almost certainly in your main sewer line, not a single fixture. Stop running water. Every toilet flush, every sink drain pushes more sewage backward.
A main-line backup can come from roots, a grease accumulation years in the making, a pipe collapse, or a sudden obstruction. A camera inspection tells us which before any work starts — you'll see the footage.
If only one fixture is backing up, it's likely a local clog at that drain. We'll diagnose which it is over the phone from your description before we arrive.
Is a sewer backup a plumbing emergency?
Yes, if it's the main line. Multiple backed-up drains, sewage coming up from floor drains, or sewage smell from multiple fixtures are all emergency indicators. Call immediately — the longer you run water, the worse the damage.
How long will it take to clear?
A cable machine clears most main-line blockages in under an hour once we're on site. Root intrusion or a pipe problem that needs camera inspection takes longer. We'll give you an honest time estimate on the call.
Do I need a camera inspection or just a snaking?
For a one-time backup with no history: probably a snake. For a recurring backup, sewage smell, or if something structural is suspected: camera first. We'll tell you which we think is right based on your description.
Still not sure what you're dealing with?
Call or text and describe what you're seeing. We'll tell you what it likely is and whether it can wait — no appointment needed to get a straight answer.