Treat it as dangerous
Sewage carries bacteria, viruses and parasites. Contact with skin, mouths or open cuts can make you sick. Anything porous it touches, like carpet, pad, drywall and insulation, usually has to go.
Why sewers back up in Garland
- Tree roots growing into older clay and cast-iron lateral lines.
- Aging pipe that has cracked or collapsed under slabs.
- Grease and wipes clogging the line.
- Heavy rain overwhelming the system.
- A blockage in the city main.
City main or your lateral?
A plumber with a camera can tell whether the blockage is in your private line or in the city main. If it is in the main, call City of Garland Water Utilities. If it is in your lateral, the repair is yours. Your insurance may not cover sewer backup unless you have the endorsement.
What cleanup involves
- ContainmentWork areas are sealed off with plastic and negative air where needed.
- Protective gearCrews wear waterproof suits, gloves, eye protection and respirators.
- ExtractionContaminated water is pumped out and disposed of properly.
- RemovalCarpet, pad, soaked drywall and insulation are bagged and hauled.
- Disinfect and drySurfaces are cleaned and treated, then dried. Air quality can be checked afterward.
While you wait, do not run water down drains, and do not use the HVAC system. If water also came in from a creek or street, see flood damage restoration. Standard drying follows the steps in structural drying. For the overview, start at water damage restoration and sewage cleanup in Garland.
Ready to talk to someone?
Describe what happened and your ZIP code. You will be connected with an independent provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is sewage backup covered by homeowners insurance?
Usually only if your policy includes a sewer or drain backup endorsement. Standard policies often exclude it. Check your policy and call your agent.
Can I clean sewage backup myself?
Small, contained spills on hard surfaces may be handled with protective gear and disinfectant, but anything that reached carpet, drywall or multiple rooms should be handled by trained crews.
Who is responsible for a sewer backup?
It depends on where the blockage is. A blockage in your private lateral is the homeowner's. A blockage in the city main is the city's, so call Garland Water Utilities.
How do I prevent sewage backups?
Do not flush wipes or pour grease, have the line scoped and cleaned if you have large trees, and ask a plumber about a backwater valve.