In a slab-on-grade home, a sewage backup usually shows up at the lowest fixture: a ground-floor toilet, tub, shower, or laundry drain. It can be a slow seep or a sudden overflow. Either way, the water carries bacteria and other contaminants, and porous materials it touched, like carpet, pad, drywall, and insulation, are usually removed rather than cleaned.
Common causes
- Grease, wipes (even “flushable” ones), and other debris clogging the line
- Tree or shrub roots growing into the sewer lateral
- A cracked, sagging, or broken section of line
- A blockage in the city main
- A full or failing septic system on properties not served by city sewer
Who is responsible for the line?
Under Rio Rancho’s water and wastewater rules, the homeowner maintains the sewer lateral from the house to the public sewer, and the city’s utility is responsible for the sewer main lines, including stoppages in the main that cause backups. The city’s FAQ says to call the City right away if sewage is backing up into your house, and to call a plumber if the City is closed. You can find the current utility numbers on rrnm.gov.
What to do right now
- Stop running water: no flushing, laundry, dishwasher, or showers until the line is cleared.
- Keep children, pets, and anyone with health concerns away.
- Do not touch the water without gloves and boots, and wash well afterward.
- Turn off power to the area if you can do it without stepping in water.
- Report a possible main-line problem to the City, or call a plumber to clear your line.
- Call {{PHONE}} for a referral to a cleanup provider.
What professional sewage cleanup involves
Providers typically wear protective gear, extract the contaminated water, remove affected porous materials, clean and disinfect hard surfaces, and dry the area. Some also use air scrubbers for odor. Because the water is contaminated, more material usually has to go than with a clean-water leak.
Prevent the next one
- Keep grease and wipes out of drains.
- Have older lines scoped with a camera if you have repeated slow drains or gurgling.
- Ask a plumber whether a backwater valve makes sense for your home.
- Check your insurance for a sewer or drain backup endorsement; many basic policies exclude it.
Related: flood cleanup and mold remediation.
Sources: Rio Rancho Code of Ordinances, Chapter 51 (water and wastewater rules); City of Rio Rancho Utilities FAQ.
Quick answers
Can I clean up a small sewage backup myself?
A very small amount on a hard, non-porous floor is sometimes handled by homeowners with gloves and disinfectant. Anything on carpet, drywall, or larger areas should be handled by a professional.
Will the smell go away on its own?
Not usually, if contaminated materials are left in place. Removing affected materials and drying the area is what removes the source of the odor.