What Should I Do When My Sewer Backs Up in Los Angeles?
A sewer backup is one of the most urgent plumbing emergencies a Los Angeles homeowner can face. When your main sewer line blocks, wastewater has nowhere to go and backs up into your home through the lowest fixtures. Here is exactly what to do.
Step 1: Stop Using All Water Immediately
Do not flush toilets, run the dishwasher, use the washing machine, or run any faucet. Every drop of water you use will add to the backup and increase the risk of sewage overflowing inside your home.
Step 2: Call a Licensed Plumber Right Now
Call 24/7 Rooter Service at (213) 281-4751. We respond to sewer backup emergencies throughout Los Angeles 24 hours a day including weekends and holidays. A sewer backup is not a wait-until-morning situation.
Step 3: Locate Your Main Cleanout
The main sewer cleanout is usually a capped pipe near the foundation of your home, in the side yard, or at the front of the house. If the cleanout cap is off or there is sewage visible at the cleanout, do not attempt to open it yourself. Wait for our plumber to arrive.
What Causes Sewer Backups in Los Angeles?
Root intrusion from ficus, willow, and pepper trees into clay pipe joints is the leading cause in older LA neighborhoods. Grease buildup, flushed wipes or debris, collapsed clay or cast iron pipe, and offset pipe joints are also common causes. Most LA homes with original clay sewer systems are 50-70 years old and have never been camera inspected.
What 24/7 Rooter Service Does When We Arrive
We locate the main cleanout, run a rooter machine or hydro jetter to clear the blockage, perform a camera inspection to identify the cause, and provide you with before-and-after video. We explain what we found and give you repair options if the pipe needs additional work. Call (213) 281-4751 now.
Need a licensed plumber in Los Angeles? Call (213) 281-4751 or request service online. Available 24/7. View all services | Service areas
