Memphis, TN · plumbing service
Sewer Backup Cleanup in Memphis, TN
Heavy storms can overwhelm sewers and push water back into low drains. Call to be connected with an independent, licensed plumber who handles sewer backup cleanup in Memphis; they diagnose the problem and quote the work before starting.
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent plumbing contractor serving your area. Calls may be recorded for quality and training. The call and referral are free, and you are never obligated to hire.- Licensed local plumbers
- Free call and referral
- You approve the quote first
Common signs
- Sewage coming up through floor drains
- tubs or toilets
Sewer Backup Cleanup services in Memphis
- Sewer BackupSewage coming up through floor drains, tubs or toilets.
- Drain CleaningSlow drains, recurring clogs and backed-up sinks, tubs and showers.
- Sewer Line RepairRecurring backups, sewer odors, slow fixtures or a damaged sewer line.
- Emergency PlumberBurst pipes, major leaks, sewage backups and no-water situations.
Problems sewer backup cleanup fixes
- Sewage coming up in a floor drain, tub or lowest toilet
- Backups during heavy rain
- Repeated backups after the line was cleared
- Water damage after a backup
Why sewer backup cleanup comes up in Memphis
Heavy storms can overwhelm sewers and push water back into low drains.
64% of Memphis's homes were built before 1980, when sewer laterals were commonly clay or cast iron. Clay joints let roots in and cast iron corrodes and scales, so a camera inspection is the first step before paying for a repair.
- Typical home built
- 1971
- Homes before 1980
- 64%
- Winter freezes
- Occasional hard freezes
How the work is done
- 1Stop the flowStop using water and find whether the blockage is in your line or the public sewer.
- 2Clear the lineThe plumber clears the lateral and checks it with a camera.
- 3Clean up safelyContaminated water and porous materials are removed and the area disinfected.
- 4Prevent the next oneA backwater valve, cleanout or lateral repair, depending on the cause.
What affects the price
The plumbing company sets the price after seeing the job; ask for it in writing before work starts.
- Where the blockage is
- How much area was affected
- Whether a camera inspection or repair follows
- Backwater valve installation and any permit
- After-hours timing
Plumbing work we connect Memphis homeowners with
Sewer Backup Cleanup in Memphis: questions
Can I file a claim with the City of Memphis for sewer backup damage?
Yes, using the Non-Auto Collision Claim Form, but under Tennessee's GTLA the City must have had prior notice of the sewer condition.
What causes sewer overflows in Memphis?
The City of Memphis says grease blockages are a primary cause of sanitary sewer overflows, which its FOG program works to reduce.
Why is sewer backup cleanup a common call in Memphis?
Heavy storms can overwhelm sewers and push water back into low drains.
How old are most homes in Memphis?
The median home in Memphis was built in 1971, and 64% of homes were built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey).
What should I do if sewage backs up in my Memphis home?
Stop using water, stay out of the affected area and call; the line needs clearing, the area needs cleaning, and the cause should be found so it doesn't repeat. In Memphis: heavy storms can overwhelm sewers and push water back into low drains.
Sewer Backup Cleanup near Memphis
More plumbing services in Memphis
- Sewer Line Repair in Memphis, TNSewer Line Repair in Memphis, TN: about two-thirds of homes predate 1980, and older clay and cast iron laterals crack and let roots in.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in Memphis, TNFrozen Pipe Repair in Memphis, TN: occasional hard freezes catch pipes in crawl spaces and exterior walls that weren't built for cold.
- All plumbing services in MemphisEvery plumbing service available to Memphis homes.
Local rules and details for Memphis
Memphis facts behind this page
- The median home in Memphis was built in 1971. [1]
- About 64% of Memphis's housing units were built before 1980, the era of galvanized steel supply pipe, cast iron drains and clay sewer laterals. [1]
- Sewer backup damage claims against the City of Memphis are filed with the City Claims Department using the Non-Auto Collision Claim Form, with a copy of a state-issued ID. Claims are governed by the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (GTLA), which for sewer backups requires that the City had prior notice of the condition. [2]
- The City of Memphis Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program monitors over 3,000 food establishments through inspection and regulation, because grease blockages are a primary cause of sanitary sewer overflows. The program checks that food establishments properly service and maintain their grease removal equipment. [3]
Memphis rules and programs for sewer backup cleanup
- Sewer backup damage claims against the City of Memphis are filed with the City Claims Department using the Non-Auto Collision Claim Form, with a copy of a state-issued ID. Claims are governed by the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (GTLA), which for sewer backups requires that the City had prior notice of the condition. [2]
- The City of Memphis Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program monitors over 3,000 food establishments through inspection and regulation, because grease blockages are a primary cause of sanitary sewer overflows. The program checks that food establishments properly service and maintain their grease removal equipment. [3]
Other common plumbing calls in Memphis
- Sewer Line Repair: about two-thirds of homes predate 1980, and older clay and cast iron laterals crack and let roots in.
- Frozen Pipe Repair: occasional hard freezes catch pipes in crawl spaces and exterior walls that weren't built for cold.
Safety first
Keep people and pets away from sewage; stop running water.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- City of Memphis, City Claims FAQ · checked 2026-10-19
- City of Memphis, Environmental Engineering (FOG Program) · checked 2026-10-19