Problem guide · SAMPLE
Sewer backup in Tacoma — city line vs your side sewer.
Wastewater in toilets, floor drains, tubs, or sinks means a blocked or damaged private side sewer or a public main. Sewage carries bacteria. Keep kids and pets out of the area.
Do this first
- Stop flushing. Stop showers and washers.
- Cut power only if you can do it without standing in sewage water. SPU stresses electrical hazard control before cleanup (SPU Side Sewer Backups).
- Avoid contact. Sanitize hard surfaces per SPU guidance. Do not mix bleach and ammonia.
- Red Cross: if sewage lines may be damaged, leave sinks, showers, and toilets alone and call a plumber.
Tacoma: City first or private plumber?
City of Tacoma: most problems sit in the side sewer, which is the homeowner’s responsibility (Tacoma Wastewater Resources).
- Sewage backs up when you are not using water → call City Sewer Transmission at (253) 591-5585 first (possible public main).
- Backup starts while you use water or drains run slow → call a private plumber or rooter for the side sewer.
Side-sewer work in the right-of-way needs licensed, bonded contractors and permits (Tacoma Permits (253) 591-5030).
Seattle / Puget Sound note
If a contractor suspects a public main, SPU asks you to call (206) 386-1800. Before anyone clears a side sewer, SPU notes calling PSE at 1-888-225-5773 so gas lines stay undamaged.
Call a listed shop
Call a listed shop from this directory. Phones are locked from the harvest. Confirm yourself before you hire.
- Hunt's Services — (253) 533-7500 · Listing
- Bob Larson Plumbing — (253) 499-7044 · Listing
- Spartan Plumbing Inc. — (253) 231-7015 · Listing
- American Mains and Drains — (253) 553-3617 · Listing
- DrainTech Northwest — (253) 265-9687 · Listing
- Master Plumbers Tacoma — (253) 541-1039 · Listing
Back to the list Verify with WA L&I
Related problems
Toilet overflowing · Burst pipe
Also: regional sewer backup page
Problems: Burst pipe · Sewer backup · Water heater leaking · Toilet overflowing · No hot water · Gas leak
Water emergency? Who runs your water depends on your city
- Seattle: Seattle Public Utilities answers water, sewer and drainage emergencies 24/7 at (206) 386-1800. If you cannot close your main valve, SPU can shut water off at the meter for a service charge. (Seattle Public Utilities — Emergencies)
- Tacoma: Tacoma Water: 253-502-8384 weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; evenings and weekends 253-502-8344. (Tacoma Public Utilities — Help)
Checked against the official pages linked above on 2026-10-08. Numbers change, so confirm on the utility’s site.