Sewer Backing Up? We're On Our Way.
Emergency sewer backup service throughout the Triad — fast response when sewage is coming up.
Sewer Backups Can't Wait
Sewage coming up through your drains is more than unpleasant — it’s a health hazard. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make your family sick. When it’s backing up into your home, you need someone there fast.
All-Star Plumbing responds to sewer backup emergencies throughout High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and the Triad. We clear the blockage, identify why it happened, and get your system flowing again.
According to the CDC, contact with sewage can cause gastrointestinal illness and other infections. If you have a backup, avoid contact with the water, keep kids and pets away, and call us immediately.
Signs of a Sewer Backup or Main Line Problem
Sometimes backups happen suddenly. Sometimes there are warning signs. Know what to look for.
Water Coming Up Through Floor Drains
- What it means: The main sewer line is blocked. Wastewater has nowhere to go, so it comes up at the lowest point — usually a basement or garage floor drain.
- Urgency: Emergency. Stop using water and call immediately.
Toilet Backs Up Into Tub or Shower
- What it means: Main line blockage. When you flush, water can't exit and comes up in connected drains.
- Urgency: Emergency. Main line needs clearing.
Multiple Drains Slow or Backing Up
- What it means: The problem is in the main line, not individual drains. When multiple fixtures are affected, the blockage is downstream.
- Urgency: High. Will likely become a full backup soon.
Gurgling Sounds From Drains
- What it means: Air is being pushed through the system — often because water can't flow freely due to a partial blockage.
- Urgency: Warning sign. Get it checked before it becomes a full backup.
Sewage Smell in House
- What it means:Sewer gas is escaping into your home. Could be a dry P-trap, but if multiple areas smell, it may indicate a backup or venting issue.
- Urgency: Investigate soon. If accompanied by slow drains, call us.
Wet Spots in Yard Near Sewer Line
- What it means: Possible sewer line leak or break underground. Sewage is escaping into the soil.
- Urgency: Not immediate emergency, but needs attention. Indicates line damage.
Why Sewer Lines Back Up
Understanding the cause helps prevent future problems.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots seek water and nutrients — your sewer line has both. Roots enter through small cracks or joints and grow inside the pipe, eventually blocking flow.
Common in: Older homes with clay or cast iron pipes, properties with large trees near sewer lines.
Solution: Root cutting, possible pipe repair or replacement.
Grease Buildup
Grease poured down drains doesn’t stay liquid. It cools, solidifies, and sticks to pipe walls. Over time, it builds up and blocks the line.
Solution: Professional cleaning, possibly hydro jetting.
Foreign Objects and "Flushable" Wipes
“Flushable” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They catch on pipe imperfections and accumulate. Other items like feminine products, paper towels & some toys can cause similar blockages.
Solution:Clear the blockage, camera inspection to assess damage.
Pipe Collapse or Damage
Old pipes deteriorate. Clay pipes crack, cast iron corrodes, bellies form where the ground shifts. Damaged pipes can’t carry waste properly.
Solution: Pipe repair or replacement.
Bellied Pipe
A section of pipe has sunk, creating a low spot where waste collects instead of flowing. Eventually it backs up.
Solution: Repair or replace the bellied section.
Municipal Sewer Problem
Sometimes the problem isn’t your line — it’s the city’s. If the municipal main is backed up, it affects connected homes.
What to do: We can determine if the blockage is in your line or the city’s. If it’s the city, you’ll need to contact them.
What to Do If Sewage Is Backing Up
Take these steps while you wait for us.
- Stop Using Water
Every flush, every faucet, every appliance that drains adds more water to an already blocked system. Stop all water use until we arrive.
- Avoid Contact With the Water
Sewage contains harmful bacteria and pathogens. Don’t wade through it, don’t try to mop it up with your hands. Keep kids and pets away.
- Turn Off HVAC if Backup Is Near Vents
If sewage is near your HVAC air intakes or returns, turn off the system to prevent spreading contaminated air through your home.
- Open Windows for Ventilation
Sewer gas is unpleasant and potentially harmful. Ventilate the affected area if you can do so safely.
- Call Us — Then Document
Call us first to get on the schedule. Then take photos for insurance documentation if needed. Don’t delay calling to take pictures.
After We Clear the Backup
The line is flowing, but there may be more to do.
- Cleanup
We clear the line — we don’t do sewage cleanup. You may need a restoration company if there’s significant contamination. We can recommend companies if needed.
- Disinfection
Any surfaces that contacted sewage need to be disinfected. Hard surfaces can be cleaned with bleach solution. Porous materials (carpet, drywall) may need to be removed.
- Follow-Up Repairs
If camera inspection revealed damage, we’ll discuss repair options — spot repair, pipe lining, or full replacement depending on severity.
- Prevention Plan
Based on what we found, we’ll recommend how to prevent future backups — regular maintenance, behavior changes, or repairs.
how can we help?
Related Services
Emergency Plumbing
24/7 emergency plumber service for leaks, backups, and sudden plumbing failures.
Drains & Sewer
Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and water or sewer main repairs done efficiently.
Commercial
Business & industrial plumbing, backflow testing, excavation through High Point and the Triad.
Remodels
Plumbing upgrades and renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home remodels.
Emergency Plumbing
24/7 emergency plumber service for leaks, backups, and sudden plumbing failures.
Water Heaters
Installation, repair, and maintenance for tank and tankless water heaters.
Repiping
Water lines, sewer lines, gas pipes, underground pipe repair
Leak Detection & Repair
Find and fix water leaks, slab leaks, pipe leaks
Drains & Sewer
Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and water or sewer main repairs done efficiently.
Commercial
Business & industrial plumbing, backflow testing, excavation through High Point and the Triad.
Remodels
Plumbing upgrades and renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home remodels.
Your Plumbing Problem, Solved in 3 Simple Steps!
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Helpful Plumbing Tips From Local Experts
Our blog shares clear advice homeowners can use right away.
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When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
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Simple Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Locations and Areas Served
Plumber Service Company Serving the Entire Triad
Sewer Backup Questions
How quickly can you respond to a sewer backup?
We prioritize sewer emergencies. Response time depends on current call volume, but we move fast. Call and we’ll give you a realistic timeframe.
How much does emergency sewer service cost?
Depends on the severity and cause. Basic line clearing is less than dealing with root intrusion or damaged pipes. We quote before starting repair work.
Will my insurance cover sewer backup damage?
Standard homeowner policies often exclude sewer backup unless you have specific sewer backup coverage. Check your policy. We can provide documentation for claims.
How do I prevent sewer backups?
Don’t pour grease down drains. Only flush toilet paper. Consider annual drain maintenance if you have older pipes or trees near your sewer line.
Why does my sewer keep backing up?
Recurring backups usually mean an underlying problem — root intrusion, damaged pipe, bellied section. Camera inspection identifies the cause so we can fix it permanently.
Is sewer backup dangerous?
Yes. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Avoid contact, keep kids and pets away, and wash thoroughly if you do contact it.
Can you tell if the problem is my line or the city's?
Yes. We can camera inspect your line and determine where the blockage is. If it’s past your property line in the city main, you’ll need to contact them.