Detroit Homeowners: What to Do When Your Sewer Backs Up

When your sewer backs up, there’s no time to panic — but there’s also no time to waste. Detroit homes, especially older ones with aging infrastructure and tree-root-heavy neighborhoods, are notorious for sewer line issues. You can prevent thousands of dollars of damage when it comes to sewer backups.

This guide breaks down what Detroit homeowners should do when they experience a sewer backup in Detroit, what causes it, and why calling a licensed local drain cleaning pro is the smartest move you can make.

Step 1: Stop Using All Water Immediately

When you see water (or worse) coming up through your basement drain, toilet, or shower, the first thing to do is stop using any water in the home. That includes flushing toilets, running sinks, or using the washing machine. The more water you send down, the more pressure builds up in your pipes — and the more sewage you’ll push back up into your home.

Detroit’s combined sewer systems are especially sensitive during heavy rainfalls. If you keep running water, you’ll only make the situation worse.

Step 2: Turn Off Power if There’s Standing Water

If your basement is flooding in Michigan due to a sewer backup, shut off your electricity to avoid electrocution. Never walk through standing water when the power is still on.

If you can’t access the breaker safely, call DTE Energy or an electrician to help. Safety first — the mess can be cleaned later, but an electrical accident can be deadly.

Step 3: Identify Where the Backup Is Coming From

A professional plumber will pinpoint whether your issue is a main line backup or a secondary line clog. Here’s how you can get an idea:

• Multiple drains affected? Likely a main sewer line issue.
• Only one drain affected? Might be a local clog or partial blockage.
• Basement drain overflowing? That’s usually a clear sign the main line is compromised.

In Detroit, many sewer lines are made of clay or cast iron, both of which deteriorate over time or crack from root intrusion. Tree roots are a massive problem here — they seek out the smallest cracks in pipes and expand until your sewer is completely blocked.

Step 4: Don’t Use Chemical Drain Cleaners

This one’s important — do not pour chemical drain cleaners into your pipes when there’s a sewage backup. These products can make the problem worse, corrode older pipes, and create dangerous fumes in confined spaces.

If you’re facing a backup in Detroit, you’re not dealing with a simple hair clog — it’s likely a root, grease, or mainline obstruction that needs mechanical cleaning, hydro jetting, or a camera inspection.

Step 5: Call a Local Detroit Drain Cleaning Expert

This is when you call in the pros. A certified plumber or drain technician will:

1. Inspect the main line with a sewer camera.
2. Clear blockages using professional-grade augers or hydro jetting.
3. Check for damage that could cause repeat backups.
4. Provide preventive recommendations — like root removal or sewer line repair.

Detroit homeowners often face recurring sewer backups because they’ve only been “snaked” temporarily. A good plumber doesn’t just clear the line — they diagnose the cause and help you stop it from happening again.

Step 6: Document the Damage for Insurance

If sewage has entered your home, take photos and videos right away. Document everything — including the source, affected rooms, and any visible damage to walls, furniture, or flooring.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies in Detroit don’t automatically cover sewer backups unless you have a specific “backup rider” or sump pump coverage. That’s why it’s important to check your policy and contact your insurance company immediately.

Step 7: Begin Cleanup Safely

Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. Always wear protective gloves, boots, and a mask when handling cleanup. For significant damage or flooding, hire a professional water restoration company to sanitize the area properly.

Bleach and household cleaners alone aren’t enough to disinfect raw sewage contamination.

Step 8: Schedule Preventive Maintenance

If you’ve had a sewer backup once, odds are it’ll happen again unless you take action. Preventive maintenance in Detroit typically includes:

• Annual drain inspections with a camera.
• Root removal using mechanical cutters or hydro jetting.
• Installing a backwater valve to prevent city sewer backups.
• Replacing cracked or collapsed sewer lines.

The city’s older sewer infrastructure and heavy rainfall make preventive maintenance essential for every homeowner.

Common Causes of Sewer Backups in Detroit

Here’s what we see most often when responding to sewer emergencies:

1. Tree Root Intrusion

Detroit’s older neighborhoods like Ferndale, Highland Park, and Hamtramck are packed with large, mature trees. Their roots invade old clay pipes and cause total blockages.

2. Grease and Fat Buildup

Pouring cooking grease down your drain might seem harmless, but it hardens in your pipes and traps debris — eventually blocking the main line.

3. Collapsed or Broken Sewer Lines

Older clay or cast-iron pipes deteriorate over time, especially under driveways or streets.

4. City Sewer Overload

During heavy rain, Detroit’s combined sewer system can overflow, forcing water back up through residential lines.

5. Foreign Objects

Flushable wipes, sanitary products, and even kids’ toys often end up being the culprit. Despite the label, “flushable” wipes do not break down like toilet paper.

Step 9: Install a Backwater Valve

A backwater valve is one of the smartest investments a Detroit homeowner can make. It’s a small device installed on your main sewer line that automatically shuts when sewage starts to flow backward — preventing a backup from ever reaching your basement.

Most new homes are required to have one, but many older Detroit houses don’t. Installing a backwater valve costs far less than cleaning up a single sewer backup.

Step 10: Know When to Replace Your Sewer Line

If your sewer line is over 50 years old or you’re dealing with frequent backups, repairs might only buy you temporary relief. A full sewer line replacement may be the long-term solution.

Trenchless sewer replacement methods can often reline your pipe without digging up your yard or driveway, saving time and money.

Final Thoughts

A sewer backup isn’t just a messy inconvenience — it’s a serious health risk and a major home repair problem if ignored. Detroit’s infrastructure and weather make these incidents common, but they’re also completely preventable with regular inspections and maintenance.

If you’re noticing slow drains, gurgling toilets, or sewage odors, don’t wait until your basement floods. Call a professional today to have your main line inspected and cleared before it becomes a disaster.