What To Do First . . .

If a backup occurs, take immediate steps to seal sink, tub and floor drains.

1. Plug toilets or basement floor drains with something like a string mop or wad of rags. 

2. Try to determine if the blockage is just in the household/business plumbing or in the main sewer line. Call neighbors and ask if they are experiencing any backup or slowness in their drains. If so, the problem may be in the main sewer line. If not, then it could be a problem with your sewer line.

3. If you suspect the stoppage is in your home plumbing system, do not run water down your drains until the blockage is clear.

Next . . . Call Us . . .

Call the Water Authority on our  24/7 Sewer Line Emergencies and General Information line at 540.853.5700.  Water Authority crews are available to come investigate.

Clean-Up, Claim Form and Repairs 

If you have experienced personal property damage that involved a public water main break, sewer back-up or work performed by the Western Virginia Water Authority, information in this booklet can guide you through the steps you need to take.

Incident investigation/claim forms can be completed on the Authority's website at www.westernvawater.org/claims.

Who is Responsible for Paying for the Sewage Cleanup?

Clean up of sewage backups in homes and offices is generally the responsibility of the property owner or landlord. Property owners are advised to take the following actions after a sewer backup:

Take photos of the damage.

Report the damages to your insurance company.

Mitigate further damage yourself or by calling a reputable clean up service.

If you wish to file a claim, contact the Authority’s Safety and Risk Manager at risk.management@westernvawater.org or complete a claim at www.westernvawater.org/claims

Will My Insurance Cover Any Damages from a Sewer Backup?

In the majority of cases, a special rider or endorsement is needed on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to cover damages related to sewer backups or water damage.

The Western Virginia Water Authority highly recommends that homeowners purchase a “backup of sewer and drain” rider as part of a homeowner’s insurance policy. This optional coverage is generally inexpensive; however, you must request it as it is not automatically included in most standard policies.

Like the majority of municipalities in the nation, the Water Authority cannot assume financial liability for damages resulting from sewage backups since most blockages are related to conditions that are beyond the Water Authority’s control. The Authority has no liability in backups relating to wet weather/stormwater.