Roots
Maple roots in clay laterals are the most common cause. They build up for months, then a big load of laundry or a holiday dinner finishes the job.
D-06EMERGENCY DISPATCH
Sewer backup in the basement? We answer 24/7.
A real dispatcher picks up at 2 a.m. on a Sunday, on Christmas Eve, during a February nor'easter. Same rate as a Tuesday morning. We'll give you an honest arrival time and tell you what to do until we get there.
Can't talk? Text a photo to (603) 555-0149 and we'll call you back.
Do this right now
- Stop using water. No flushing, no showers, no dishwasher or washing machine. Ask everyone in the house, and the tenants upstairs if you have them.
- Stay safe. If water is near outlets, extension cords, a furnace or a water heater, don't walk in it. If you can reach your electrical panel safely and dry, you can shut off basement circuits. If not, leave it.
- Keep kids and pets out. Sewage carries bacteria. Wear boots and gloves if you have to go near it.
- Move what you can. Lift boxes and anything valuable off the floor, if it's safe.
- Take photos. For your insurance company, before anything gets cleaned up.
- Call us. Tell dispatch which drains are backing up and whether you have a cleanout.
What happens when we arrive
- Clear the line first. Getting your house usable again comes before anything else.
- Camera after. Once it's flowing, we run the camera so you know whether it was a one-time clog or a sign of a bigger problem.
- Flat-rate price before any repair. Clearing is priced up front. If a repair is needed, you get options in writing and nothing extra happens tonight without your OK.
- Cleanup guidance. We clean our work area. For sewage on finished floors or drywall, we'll recommend you call a water damage restoration company and your insurer. We can send them our footage and notes.
Why backups happen around here
Wipes and grease
Especially in multi-family buildings where several households share one line.
Heavy rain and snowmelt
In older parts of Manchester, the city sewer can surcharge during big storms or fast spring thaws. Water can push back up into basement floor drains even when your own line is fine. A backwater valve can help in these cases. Ask us whether your house is a candidate.
Frozen or collapsed sections
Less common, but they happen in deep cold or in old Orangeburg and clay.
Emergency pricing, plainly
- Same rate nights, weekends and holidays. No overtime surcharge.
- Trip and diagnostic fee told to you on the phone, before we drive over.
- Flat-rate price for clearing, approved by you before we start.
- Payment by card on site. Financing available on approved credit for larger repairs.
Emergency questions
Q01How fast can you get here?
It depends on the hour, the weather and how many calls are ahead of you. Dispatch gives you an honest arrival window when you call, not a guess meant to keep you on the line. If someone closer can reach you sooner, especially in the outer towns, we'll tell you that too.
Q02Is a sewer backup covered by homeowners insurance?
It depends on your policy. Many standard policies exclude sewer backup unless you've added a specific endorsement or rider. Take photos before cleanup and call your insurer early. We can send your adjuster our camera footage and a written note on the cause, which often helps the claim.
Q03Should I call a plumber or a restoration company first?
Call us first if sewage is still coming up, because nothing else helps until the line is clear. If the line is already flowing and you have water on finished floors or walls, call a restoration company too. We often work in the same basement on the same night.
Q04Is it safe to stay in the house during a backup?
Usually, if you stay out of the affected area and stop using water. Leave right away if water is touching electrical equipment, if you smell gas, or if anyone feels sick. Sewage is a health risk, so keep children and pets away and wash up carefully after any contact.