What are the early signs of a sewer backup?
Gurgling drains, several fixtures draining slowly at once, a sewer smell near floor drains, toilets that bubble when you run water and water pooling in the basement floor drain. When more than one fixture misbehaves, the problem is probably in the main line, not a single pipe.
Fully licensed and insured
Open 24 hours, 7 days
Early warning signs
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds from a toilet or drain
- Slow drains in more than one fixture
- A toilet that bubbles when the washer drains or a tub fills
- A sewer odour near the basement floor drain
- Water or sludge appearing in the floor drain, especially after heavy rain
- A change in water level in the toilet bowl
Why a single clogged drain is different
One slow sink usually means a local blockage. Several symptoms at once suggest that wastewater cannot leave through the main line, which may be blocked by roots, a collapsed section or a municipal issue during a storm.
Tree roots are a common culprit in mature Etobicoke streets, where clay and cast iron laterals are old and have joints that roots can enter.
What to do when you spot the signs
- Stop using waterDo not flush, run the dishwasher or the washing machine.
- Move belongingsLift anything on the basement floor onto shelves.
- Call a plumberThey can clear the line and identify the blockage.
- Photograph the areaRecord any water and note the time.
- Call us if water appearsWe handle the cleanup, disinfection and drying.
Preventing the next backup
Keep grease and wipes out of the drains, have a plumber camera the line if the signs keep returning and ask about a backwater valve, which a licensed plumber installs. Clear leaves from storm drains near your property.
Prevention lowers the risk, but it does not remove it, so know whom to call if water does come up.
If the backup has already happened
Sewage must be removed and the area disinfected, and porous materials taken out. Our sewer backup service in Etobicoke is designed for this, and our basement flooding service applies when the water has spread widely. Your insurer decides what your policy pays; we bill them directly where allowed. The assessment is free, and a written scope and price come first.
Related questions
Can I fix a gurgling drain myself?
A plunger may help a single fixture, but gurgling in several drains needs a plumber.
Does heavy rain cause backups?
It can, when the municipal sewer fills faster than it can drain.
Is the smell a danger?
Sewer gas is unpleasant and should be investigated, so ventilate and call a professional.
Request a quote
Tell us what you need and we will get back to you. In a hurry? Calling is fastest.