Boston, MA homeowner guide
Sewage Cleanup in Boston, Massachusetts
When Boston sewage backs up into a home, report the emergency to BWSC and stop using the drains. Keep contaminated water away from occupied rooms, children and pets. Treat correction of the backup cause and cleanup of the resulting exposure as related but distinct work: a functioning drain does not mean floors, belongings and wall materials are sanitary.
Prefer not to call? Send us a message
Homeowners can reach us here too about sewage cleanup in Boston. For immediate danger, call 911.
Report an overflow through BWSC
The Commission's incident page provides 617-989-7000 as the 24-hour water and sewer emergency line and explains that sanitary sewer overflows are untreated sewage releases. Give the fixture or outside location and whether flow continues, without approaching open covers or unstable surfaces.
Clean after the cause is resolved
BWSC's home-safety guidance says that after the sewer-backup cause is resolved, priorities include restoring a dry environment and salvaging valuable property. CDC cautions that floodwater may carry sewage and chemicals. Use appropriate exposure controls and distinguish disinfectable hard surfaces from porous materials requiring disposal.
Issues to assess in Boston
- ✓Blocked household sewer piping
- ✓Public collection-system obstruction
- ✓Sewer overflow reaching the property
Do this right now
- ✓Stop wastewater discharge and keep people out of affected rooms.
- ✓Call BWSC with the exact overflow location.
- ✓Resolve the cause and arrange controlled cleaning, disposal and drying.
General safety
- ✓Keep everyone, especially children and pets, out of the area.
- ✓Stop using water, toilets and drains until the backup is resolved.
- ✓Do not touch sewage without gloves, boots and eye protection.
- ✓Shut off power to the area only if you can do so from a dry spot.
Separate utility response from sanitation
BWSC’s 24-hour emergency line handles sewer incidents; identify the fixture or exterior location and whether flow continues, without approaching open covers or unstable surfaces. After the backup cause is resolved, prioritize drying and salvage assessment. Floodwater may carry sewage and chemicals. Ask the cleanup provider to distinguish hard surfaces that can be disinfected from porous materials requiring disposal.
BWSC emergency and overflow reporting ↗Questions before agreeing to repairs
- Will you record whether flow continues and where it originates?
- Which hard surfaces are disinfected and which porous materials removed?
- What exposure controls apply around the affected area and utilities?
Homeowners in Boston: reach a local provider now
USA Home Aid is a free homeowner service that puts homeowners in touch with local service providers. All contractors are independent and we do not guarantee work or license status.
Sewage Cleanup in Boston: FAQ
Can I report a sanitary sewer overflow to BWSC?+
Yes; call its 24-hour emergency line at 617-989-7000.
Should cleanup wait until every repair estimate is complete?+
Do not unnecessarily delay safe exposure control; coordinate prompt cleanup once the active cause and hazards are controlled.
Official Boston resources
Sources checked 2026-10-21. These are public-agency resources, not partners or endorsements. Current alerts, service instructions and restrictions can change.
Before wet-material cleanup
Electrical safety, documentation and drying decisions →Sewage Cleanup guide
Full sewage cleanup emergency guide →Other Massachusetts cities
Related help in Boston
- Water Damage in Boston
- Fire & Smoke Damage in Boston
- Mold Remediation in Boston
- Roof & Storm Damage in Boston
- Emergency Plumbing in Boston
- Flood Cleanup guide
- Basement Waterproofing guide
- Biohazard & Trauma Cleanup guide
- Emergency HVAC guide
- Water Heater Repair guide
- Emergency Electrician guide
- Tree Removal guide
- Tarping & Board-Up guide
Sewage Cleanup in Boston? Call 24/7.
1-800-XXX-XXXX