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Sewer backup & emergency help in Philadelphia

Sewage coming up through a floor drain or toilet is urgent. Here’s what to do right now, who to call, and how to keep it from happening again.

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Right now: stop running water (no flushing, laundry or dishwasher), keep kids and pets out of the area, and don’t touch standing sewage without gloves and boots. If water is near outlets, appliances or the electrical panel, do not walk through it. Call your electric utility or an electrician first.

Is it your line or the City’s?

Backing up only in your house, in dry weather? The problem is most likely in your own house drain, curb trap or lateral, such as a clog, roots or a broken pipe. That is a job for a licensed plumber, and we can connect you with one. 📞 Call (267) 549-2706

Backing up during heavy rain, or neighbors have it too? The public sewer may be surcharged. That can happen in Philadelphia’s combined sewer areas, which cover about 60% of the city. Call the PWD Customer Hotline at (215) 685-6300 (24/7). PWD lists “water in basement” and neighborhood flooding among the emergencies it takes calls for.

PWD’s free backwater valve program

If City sewer water backs up into your basement during rain, PWD’s Basement Backup Protection Program may install a backwater valve or make downspout changes at no cost to you. According to the City:

  • You must own the property, and the water bill must be current (or on a payment agreement)
  • Outstanding PWD or City violations must be addressed first
  • Contractors must be able to reach the plumbing where the valve goes
  • Your sewer lateral must be in good condition. If it is broken, you can fix it with a HELP loan or your own plumber, and the valve can be installed as part of that work.
  • You maintain the device after its one-year warranty

If it is happening now, the City suggests shooting video or photos of the flooding to share with the PWD inspector.

Insurance and cleanup

Coverage for sewer backups varies by policy and often requires a specific endorsement. Photograph everything before cleanup and call your insurer. Contaminated drywall, carpet and insulation usually need to come out.

After the emergency

Not sure who to call? See when to call a plumber vs. PWD.

Once the line is cleared, a camera inspection shows whether roots or broken pipe caused the backup, so it doesn’t come back. See lateral and curb trap problems.

Related

Sources

  1. PWD: Water Infrastructure Emergencies (customer responsibility diagram, hotline)
  2. City of Philadelphia: Basement Backup Protection Program
  3. PWD blog: Free Fixes for Basement Backup Flooding
  4. PWD Regulations, Chapter 2: Assistance Programs, Sections 200–201 (PDF)
  5. PWD: Green City, Clean Waters (combined sewers serve about 60% of the city)

Checked October 23, 2026. City programs and prices change; confirm with the source before you rely on them.

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