Sewage backup cleanup in Novato, CA
Sewage is grossly contaminated (Category 3) water. A backup calls for professional cleanup and a plumber to fix the cause. Here's what that looks like in Novato, what to do, and how to get connected with an independent, licensed local provider.
Sewage backup cleanup in Novato: what we see
Many Novato homes are from the 1960s–80s, old enough for laterals to have root intrusion or joint problems. Backups often first show up in the lowest drain in the house, such as a ground-floor shower or a floor drain in the garage.
The local picture
House age and sewer laterals. The age of the house is a good guide to the age of the lateral. Novato has largely 1950s–1980s tract and ranch homes, many on slab foundations, plus newer subdivisions, hillside homes off San Marin Drive and Indian Valley, and older homes near Old Town.
Lot, slope and trees. Long laterals, steep runs and big trees all raise the odds of trouble. Novato spans a broad valley with flat neighborhoods near Highway 101 and Novato Creek, rising to oak-covered hills on the west and north.
Conditions vary a lot from street to street in Novato, so a provider should assess your specific home.
What to do right now
- Keep everyone, especially children and pets, out of affected areas.
- Stop using water: no flushing, showers, dishwasher or laundry.
- Don't touch sewage without boots, gloves and eye protection.
- Photograph the damage for insurance.
- Call a plumber for the cause and a restoration provider for cleanup.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Novato checklist
- Know where your sewer cleanout is; it's often near the house or property line.
- Find your sewer cleanout so a plumber can reach the lateral quickly.
- Have the lateral camera-inspected if you have big trees and an older home.
- Keep grease and wipes out of drains.
- Check whether your policy has a sewer or water backup endorsement.
How a provider handles it
Cleanup involves containment, extraction, removal of porous materials the sewage touched, cleaning and disinfection of hard surfaces, and documented drying before any rebuild. For the full picture, read our complete guide and the deep dive on sewage backup cleanup. We also have a storm-season article on the first 24 hours after water damage.
Before you hire anyone, check the license on the CSLB website. Here's how we vet providers.
Nearby towns and more for Novato
- Water Damage in Novato: our full local page
- Sewage backup cleanup service
- Burst pipe water damage in Novato
- Crawlspace flooding in Novato
- Storm and flood damage in Novato
- Appliance and water heater leaks in Novato
- Same problem nearby: sewage backups in San Rafael, sewage backups in San Anselmo, plus water damage in Stinson Beach and West Marin
Frequently asked questions
Where does a backup usually show up first?
At the lowest drain in the house, often a ground-floor shower, tub or floor drain.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backups?
Often only with a specific water backup endorsement. Check your policy.
Can I clean it myself?
Most sewage backups call for professional cleanup because of contamination. See categories of water.