Sewage Cleanup in Bothell, WA

Sewage backup? First steps to stay safe

Sewage is Category 3 "black water", the most contaminated kind. Stop using sinks, toilets and appliances that drain, keep children and pets away, and leave sewage cleanup in Bothell to a trained crew. The US EPA says sewage calls for protective equipment and containment, and the IICRC S500 standard treats it the same way.

1. Stop using water. Every flush or rinse can push more sewage into the house.
2. Keep people out. Close off the area and keep children and pets away.
3. Avoid power hazards. Do not touch outlets or cords in standing water.
4. Do not run fans. The EPA says not to run fans until the water is known to be clean.
5. Document and report. Photograph the damage and tell your insurer.

Source: US EPA: Mold remediation guide, Chapter 4.

Who pays for a sewer backup in Bothell?

It depends on where the blockage is. Under Bothell Municipal Code 18.03.090, the city's responsibility ends where your side sewer connects to the public main. A blockage in your own side sewer is generally yours; a problem in the public main is the city's or your district's.

Read the full guide: who pays for a sewer backup in BothellSide sewer vs public main, backflow valves, district areas and insurance, with a diagram.

City sewer or a district?

The City of Bothell sewer utility serves about half of the city. Other parts of Bothell are served by separate districts, and your water and sewer providers may differ. Check your address before calling about a public line.

The city's provider page lists sewer providers that include the City of Bothell, Alderwood Water and Wastewater District, Northshore Utility District and Silver Lake Water and Sewer District, and links to the city's interactive map for address lookups.

Sources: City of Bothell Design Standards, Chapter 6: Sanitary Sewers; City of Bothell: Find your utility provider.

Whom to call

Sources: City of Bothell: Sewer service FAQs; City of Bothell: Spills and property flooding FAQ.

Is sewer backup covered by insurance in Washington?

Not by a standard home policy. The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner lists sewer backup and sump pump overflow as an optional add-on, and suggests asking a plumber about backflow valves.

Sources: WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Learn how home insurance works; WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Flood insurance.

Why sewers back up in Bothell

The City of Bothell says fats, oils and grease cause up to a third of sewage overflow problems in the city. Grease poured down drains hardens in pipes and can lead to a backup into the home.

Sources: City of Bothell: Sewer service; City of Bothell: Sewer service FAQs.

What usually gets thrown out after a sewage backup

Anything porous that sewage soaked into is usually removed, because it can't be reliably disinfected. Hard, non-porous surfaces can often be cleaned and sanitized.

Photograph everything before it goes to the curb. Your insurer may want to see it.

Preventing the next backup

• Keep grease out of the sink. Wipe pans with a paper towel and put it in the trash.
• Flush only toilet paper. Wipes labeled flushable still clog lines.
• Ask a plumber about a backflow valve, as Washington's Insurance Commissioner suggests.
• Find your side sewer cleanout at the property line so a plumber can reach the line fast.
• Call 811 two business days before digging in your yard.

Sources: City of Bothell: Sewer service FAQs; WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Flood insurance; City of Bothell Design Standards, Chapter 6: Sanitary Sewers.

What professional sewage cleanup involves

1. Containment. The work area is sealed off from the rest of the home.
2. Removal. Sewage and soaked porous materials such as carpet pad and drywall are removed.
3. Cleaning and sanitizing. Hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.
4. Drying. The structure is dried and checked with moisture meters.
5. Repairs. Removed materials are replaced.

For other water problems, see water damage restoration in Bothell.

Sewage cleanup questions

Is sewage backup dangerous?

Yes. Sewage is contaminated water, so treat it as a health hazard. The US EPA says sewage calls for protective equipment and containment, and fans shouldn't run until the water is known to be clean. Keep children and pets out of the area and don't try to mop it up yourself.

Who pays for a sewer backup in Bothell?

Under Bothell Municipal Code 18.03.090, the city's responsibility ends where your side sewer connects to the public main, and sewer use on your property is at your own risk. So a blockage in your own line is generally yours to fix. A problem in the public main is the city's or district's.

Is my home on City of Bothell sewer?

Maybe not. The City of Bothell sewer utility serves only about half of the city, and the rest is served by sewer districts. Your water and sewer providers can also be different. The city's Find your utility provider page links to a map where you can look up your address.

Whom do I call if sewage is backing up in Bothell?

If the city sewer may be involved, City of Bothell customers can call Public Works at 425-488-0118 from 7 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays, or the Police non-emergency line at 425-577-5656 after hours. For cleanup inside your home, call a restoration company. We can connect you.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup in Washington?

Not under a standard policy. Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner lists sewer backup and sump pump overflow as an optional add-on. It also suggests asking a plumber about a backflow valve. If you don't know whether you have the add-on, call your agent and ask today.

What causes sewer backups in Bothell?

Grease is a big one. The City of Bothell says fats, oils and grease cause up to a third of its sewage overflow problems. Grease poured down a drain cools, hardens and narrows the pipe until water has nowhere to go but back into the house.