Question 1

Why is sewage coming up through my basement drain when I flush the toilet?

Accepted Answer

If sewage or dirty water is coming up through your basement drain when you flush, it’s usually a main sewer line blockage not just a simple clog.
When the main line is blocked, wastewater has nowhere to go. So instead of flowing out to the city sewer, it gets pushed back into your home and the lowest point (your basement drain) is where it shows up first.
This is why it gets worse every time you use water.

Question 2

I already tried plunging, drain cleaner, or a snake why is it still backing up?

Accepted Answer

Those methods only deal with surface-level clogs.
If your basement is still backing up, the blockage is likely:
 • deeper in the main sewer line
 • caused by tree roots, grease buildup, or pipe damage
 • or partially cleared and building up again
Professional service goes beyond that by:
 • inspecting the line with a camera
 • clearing the full blockage properly
 • making sure it doesn’t come right back

Question 3

Is this an emergency, or can I wait?

Accepted Answer

If sewage is backing up into your basement, it’s an emergency.
Here’s why:
 • every flush or water use makes it worse
 • raw sewage can contaminate floors, walls, and belongings
 • damage spreads fast and becomes more expensive to fix
That’s why professional plumbers offer 24/7 emergency service to stop the problem immediately

Question 4

What causes a basement drain to back up like this?

Accepted Answer

The most common causes are:
 • Tree roots invading the sewer line
 • Grease and debris buildup
 • Collapsed or damaged pipes
 • Heavy rain overwhelming the system
 • Improper pipe installation or slope issues 
The key is identifying the exact cause because clearing it without knowing why it happened leads to repeat backups.

Question 5

Will snaking (rodding) fix the problem permanently?

Accepted Answer

Not always.
Snaking is usually the first step:
 • it breaks through the blockage
 • restores flow temporarily
But if the issue is:
 • roots
 • sludge buildup
 • or pipe damage
Then you may need:
 • camera inspection to confirm the cause
 • hydro jetting to fully clean the line
 • or repair if the pipe is damaged

Question 6

What is hydro jetting, and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to completely clean the inside of your pipes.
Unlike snaking (which punches a hole through the blockage), hydro jetting:
 • removes grease, sludge, and debris
 • clears out roots more thoroughly
 • restores full pipe flow
It’s often recommended when:
 • backups keep coming back
 • buildup is heavy
 • or snaking alone isn’t enough

Question 7

How do you find out what’s actually causing the backup?

Accepted Answer

The most accurate way is with a drain camera inspection.
A small waterproof camera is inserted into the pipe to:
 • locate the exact blockage
 • check for cracks, roots, or collapse
 • confirm whether the line is fully clear
This avoids guesswork and ensures the right fix the first time

Question 8

What should I do right now if my basement drain is backing up?

Accepted Answer

Immediately:
 • Stop using water (toilets, sinks, laundry)
 • Avoid flushing this pushes more sewage back
 • Keep people and pets away from affected areas
 • Call a professional plumber right away
Reducing water use helps prevent the situation from getting worse before help arrives

Question 9

How fast can this be fixed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the cause, but most emergency cases:
 • are diagnosed on arrival
 • cleared the same day if it’s a blockage
More complex issues (like pipe damage) may require additional work, but the priority is always:
Stop the backup immediately, then fix the root cause

Question 10

Will this happen again after it’s fixed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how it’s handled.
If it’s only partially cleared → it often comes back.
If it’s:
 • fully cleaned (jetting)
 • inspected (camera)
 • and underlying issues addressed
Then you significantly reduce the risk of future backups.
Preventative maintenance can also help avoid repeat issues.

Residential | Commercial

At Your Door Within 1 Hour To Stop Messy Basement Backups Fast & For Good!

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Fast Emergency Plumbing ✔ Rodding (Snaking) Takes 30 - 60 minutes. ✔ Hydro Jetting Takes 1 Visit. ✔ Drain Camera Inspection 1 Visit.

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Waste Backing Into Your

Basement Drain?

You've already tried:

Plunger

Drain cleaner

Cheap Hand auger

The longer this goes unchecked the worse the damage and more expensive it becomes to fix and clean it up.

Immediate Response & Dispatch For Emergency Backup Relief!

Plumbing backups are messy and unpredictable, that's why our team has someone ready to take your call immediately and dispatch a licensed plumber to your home.

Why Canadian Rooter Is The GTAs #1 Trusted Plumbing Company

Everything You Need To Get Your Drains Flowing Again

How Much Is It To Fix My Drains?

A small service fee applies for the visit. This fee is often applied toward the work if we fix the issue on the spot.​​

Most problems can be diagnosed quickly, and we'll give you exact price before we start any work. Many blockages can be cleared the same day without major repairs.

We provide a free no-obligation on site assessment and quote.

or

Call Us At 416-343-0247

How W​e Get Your Drains Flowing Again

Consultation

Locate The Blockage

Clear The Line

Don't Let It Return

Stop The Backup Before It Spreads!

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FAQ

Why is sewage coming up through my basement drain when I flush the toilet?

I already tried plunging, drain cleaner, or a snake why is it still backing up?

Is this an emergency, or can I wait?

What causes a basement drain to back up like this?

Will snaking (rodding) fix the problem permanently?

What is hydro jetting, and do I need it?

How do you find out what’s actually causing the backup?

What should I do right now if my basement drain is backing up?

How fast can this be fixed?

Will this happen again after it’s fixed?

At Your Door Within 1 Hour To Stop
Messy Basement Backups Fast & For Good!

Fast Emergency Plumbing
✔ Rodding (Snaking) Takes 30 - 60 minutes.
✔ Hydro Jetting Takes 1 Visit.
✔ Drain Camera Inspection 1 Visit.

Immediate Response & Dispatch
For Emergency Backup Relief!

Why Canadian Rooter
Is The GTAs #1 Trusted Plumbing Company

Everything You Need
To Get Your Drains Flowing Again

How Much Is It To
Fix My Drains?

A small service fee applies for the visit. This fee is often applied toward the work if we fix the issue on the spot.

Most problems can be diagnosed quickly, and we'll give you exact price before we start any work.

Many blockages can be cleared the same day without major repairs.

Call Us At
416-343-0247

How We Get Your
Drains Flowing Again

Call Us At
416-343-0247