Sewage backup cleanup in San Rafael, 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 San Rafael, what to do, and how to get connected with an independent, licensed local provider.
Sewage backup cleanup in San Rafael: what we see
San Rafael's older neighborhoods, like Gerstle Park, downtown and Sun Valley, have many homes with decades-old sewer laterals, and big trees whose roots find their way into joints. Hillside homes may also have long laterals running downhill to the street. Storms can add stress when water gets into old sewer lines.
The local picture
House age and sewer laterals. The age of the house is a good guide to the age of the lateral. San Rafael has a wide mix: Victorian and early-1900s homes near downtown and Gerstle Park, mid-century ranch homes and Eichlers in Terra Linda and Lucas Valley, hillside homes in Sun Valley and Dominican, and apartments and condos near the Canal and along the freeway.
Lot, slope and trees. Long laterals, steep runs and big trees all raise the odds of trouble. San Rafael spans flat bay-edge land in the Canal and Gerstle-to-downtown corridor rising to steep wooded hills in Sun Valley, Glenwood and the Dominican area.
Conditions vary a lot from street to street in San Rafael, 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.
San Rafael checklist
- If you have big trees and slow drains, ask a plumber about a camera inspection of your lateral.
- 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 San Rafael
- Water Damage in San Rafael: our full local page
- Sewage backup cleanup service
- Burst pipe water damage in San Rafael
- Crawlspace flooding in San Rafael
- Storm and flood damage in San Rafael
- Appliance and water heater leaks in San Rafael
- Same problem nearby: sewage backups in Novato, sewage backups in Larkspur, sewage backups in San Anselmo, sewage backups in Corte Madera
Frequently asked questions
Who's responsible for my sewer lateral?
Homeowners are often responsible for the lateral from the house to the main. Check with your local sanitary district.
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.