Stop water use
No flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher until the line is cleared.
Drains backing up or the sewer line not flowing?
When drains back up throughout the building, the problem is usually in the main drain or sewer line, not one fixture. Stop using water, keep away from any sewage, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent plumber or sewer contractor does the work.
Am I in the right place?Yes for repeated backups, gurgling drains, sewage odor, or water rising in the lowest drains.
Is this urgent?Urgent if sewage is coming into the building or drains are overflowing.
What do I do next?Stop all water use and call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code and which drains are affected.
Sewage already inside: sewage backup cleanup. One fixture only: clogged drain.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Right now
Find the cleanout
A capped pipe outside near the foundation or in the basement. The plumber will need access to it.
Keep away from sewage
Keep children and pets out of the area. Wash hands and boots thoroughly after any contact.
Sewage is a health hazard
Sewer water carries bacteria and viruses. Do not mix bleach with other cleaners. Porous materials that sewage soaked usually need to be removed by professionals.
What goes wrong in drain and sewer lines
Clogs
Grease, wipes and debris. Cleared by snaking or hydro jetting.
Roots
Roots enter joints in older lines. See tree root removal.
Broken or sagging pipe
Low spots and breaks catch waste. See sewer line repair and trenchless repair.
Unknown cause
A camera inspection shows what is inside the line.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Which drains back up and when
- Any sewage inside the building
- Location of the sewer cleanout, if known
- Age of the building and any past sewer work
- Whether neighbors have the same problem
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles drain and sewer repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Drain and sewer questions
How do I know if it is my main sewer line?
Several drains are slow or back up at once, toilets gurgle when other fixtures drain, or water rises in the lowest drain.
Can I call about a sewer backup at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Who is responsible for the sewer line?
The owner is usually responsible from the building to the property line or city connection. If several neighbors back up, contact the sewer utility.
Do I need to dig up the yard?
Not always. Many lines can be cleared, lined or burst-replaced with little digging. The provider explains options after inspecting.
Can tree roots really break a sewer line?
Yes. Roots enter small cracks and joints and grow, blocking and eventually breaking older pipes.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.