Sewer Backup in Calgary
Around-the-clock service from the city’s most experienced plumbing team.
A sewer backup in Calgary can turn an ordinary day into a plumbing emergency in minutes, putting your home at risk. Since 1999, Pete the Plumber has been the name homeowners turn to when wastewater comes back.
- 24/7 Emergency Service
- Licensed Plumbers
- 27 Years of Experience
- Insurance Support
- 2-Year Warranty
24/7 Emergency Sewer Backup Response in Calgary
When sewage is coming into your home, every minute counts. Pete the Plumber provides 24/7 emergency sewer backup service across Calgary, with a real person answering the phone and crews equipped to start the cleanup.
Our technicians arrive with professional equipment, protective gear and professional disinfectants to safely remove contaminated water. From the first assessment, we focus on containing the damage and determining what caused the backup so the right repair can follow.
What to Do in the First Hour of a Sewer Backup
01
Stop all water use, including the dishwasher, washing machine, toilets and taps.
02
Keep people and pets away from standing water. Do not touch sewage with bare skin.
03
Call Pete the Plumber at (403) 257-1766 for emergency sewer backup assistance.
04
Take photos and video of the affected areas before cleanup begins.
05
Contact your insurance company and ask about sewer backup coverage.
Early Warning Signs of a Sewer Issue
- Multiple drains draining slowly at the same time
Gurgling from a toilet, sink or shower drain
Toilet will not clear with a plunger
Sewage appearing at a floor drain or cleanout
Water backing up when another fixture is used
Sewage odour inside the home
Water or staining around a toilet
Soggy ground near the sewer line outside
Standing water in the basement
Sewage coming back through basement fixtures
When Dirty Water Becomes a Serious Health Hazard
When a sewer backup sends wastewater through floor drains, toilets or other plumbing fixtures, what enters your home can contain far more than dirty water. Sewage can carry harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites, including E. coli and Hepatitis A, along with gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane.
The IICRC classifies sewage-contaminated water as Category 3, or black water, because of its potential health hazards. A sewage backup in Calgary calls for professional cleanup. Proper protective equipment, extraction and disinfection help reduce exposure while limiting further property damage.
What Causes Sewer Backups in Calgary Homes?
A sewage backup in Calgary can start with a simple blockage or signal a deeper problem in the private sewer line or municipal system.
Stop Recurring Backups at the Source
Recurring sewer backup problems often point to an underlying problem that a simple drain cleaning won’t solve. Pete the Plumber uses camera inspection to find the exact location of the blockage or damage and identify the repair the sewer line needs.
- Camera inspection to locate the blockage or damaged section
- Drain cleaning to clear grease, debris and other buildup
- Augering for certain blocked pipes
- Hydro jetting for appropriate blockages, using water pressure of up to 4,000 PSI
- Repairing a damaged section of pipe
- Replacing a collapsed or severely damaged sewer line
- Installing new plastic pipe where replacement is required
Your Sewer Line or the City Main?
A sewage backup in Calgary isn’t always the homeowner’s responsibility. The first step is finding out whether the problem is in your private sewer lateral or the City’s main.
Not sure which side is causing the backup? Call 311 first. City crews can investigate the municipal main from the cleanout at no charge. If the issue is on your private side, you’ll need a plumber. Calling 311 does not guarantee the City will cover repairs.
| Homeowner Side | City Side |
|---|---|
| You generally own the private sewer lateral. | The City owns and maintains the municipal sewer main. |
| Blockages, root intrusion or damaged private pipes are generally the homeowner's responsibility. | Problems in the municipal main are handled by the City. |
| Private sewer repairs are normally paid by the homeowner or insurance. | Several homes backing up at once can point to a main-line problem. |
| A plumber can use camera inspection to locate a private sewer problem. | Call 311 if you suspect the municipal main is involved. |
Protect Your Home From Another Sewer Backup
The best sewer backup repair is the one you never have to make again. A few practical steps can reduce the chance of another backup:
01
Install a backwater valve.
A backwater prevention valve helps prevent sewage from flowing back into the home through the sewer line. Homes with below-grade fixtures can benefit from this added protection.
02
Keep drains clear.
Regular drain cleaning can help prevent grease buildup, debris and other blockages from developing in the plumbing system. Never flush wipes, paper towels or other non-biodegradable items.
03
Inspect older sewer pipes.
Camera inspections can identify small problems before they become expensive failures. For older pipes, inspections every 18 to 24 months can help catch developing issues early.
04
Watch for root intrusion.
Tree roots can enter cracks and joints in sewer pipes. Calgary property owners should be cautious about planting deep-rooted trees near private sewer laterals.
05
Deal with small problems early.
Gurgling drains, slow sink drains, recurring clogs and wet patches on the lawn can all point to a developing drain issue.
Sewer Backup Insurance Claims in Calgary
Areas We Serve
Pete the Plumber provides Calgary sewer backup services throughout the city, including the northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast quadrants. Our service area also includes Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks and Strathmore.