Sewer Backed Up? Who To Call First In Castle Hills

Sewage bubbling up in a shower, toilet gurgling, or an unexpected foul odor can stop your day in its tracks. It’s stressful, messy, and it can be costly if you choose the wrong first call. You want quick answers, clear steps, and the confidence that you are not paying for a problem the utility should handle. In this guide, you’ll learn how to stay safe, how to triage whether it’s a public main or a private line issue, and exactly who to call first in Castle Hills. Let’s dive in.

First steps: stay safe and stop water

Stop all water use

If a backup is apparent, stop using water immediately. Do not flush toilets, run dishwashers or laundry, or use sinks or showers. Reducing water flow limits the amount of wastewater entering your system and helps prevent further damage.

Protect people and property

Avoid direct contact with sewage, which can contain pathogens. Use rubber gloves and boots, and open windows for ventilation. Move rugs, furniture, and electronics out of affected areas and elevate items if possible.

Find and check the cleanout

Many homes have a capped cleanout near the foundation or property line. If it is safe to do so, locate the cleanout and look for signs of overflow. An overflowing cleanout is strong evidence that the blockage is downstream of the cleanout toward the public main.

Document everything

Take photos and videos of affected rooms, fixtures, the cleanout, and any visible overflow. Note times, dates, and who you speak with when you call for help. Keep emails, incident numbers, and receipts for insurance and any potential claims.

Triage: utility or plumber?

Signs of a public-main issue

• Multiple homes or the street appear affected.
• Manholes or the roadway show signs of overflow.
• Your cleanout is overflowing and neighbors report the same.

If you see these signs, contact the wastewater utility immediately so they can investigate the public collection system.

Signs it is your lateral or a single fixture

• Only one fixture is backing up, such as a single sink or toilet.
• No neighbors are experiencing issues.
• The cleanout is not overflowing, or the problem seems limited indoors.

These signs point to a private lateral or fixture issue. A licensed plumber should be your first call in this scenario.

If you are unsure, call the utility

If you cannot determine the source, call your wastewater utility’s reporting line, explain what you are seeing, and ask for guidance. The utility can help you decide if it is likely a public problem or a private one.

Who to call first in Castle Hills

Confirm your wastewater provider

Castle Hills is an incorporated community in north-central Bexar County, and many properties in the area are served by San Antonio Water System (SAWS) for wastewater collection. However, arrangements can vary. Before you assume who is responsible, confirm your provider by checking your latest utility bill or by contacting Castle Hills City Hall.

If SAWS is your provider

If SAWS serves your property and the signs point to a public-main issue, report it to the utility right away. SAWS can determine if the blockage is in the public collection system and dispatch crews if needed. Reporting first helps you avoid paying for private repairs on a problem the utility should handle and creates a record that you acted promptly.

Still call a licensed plumber if your backup is limited to your property or if you need immediate mitigation like water extraction and cleanup. Utilities address public mains, while homeowners are typically responsible for private laterals and interior plumbing.

When to call a plumber first

If only your home is affected or if the issue appears to be a single fixture, call a licensed plumber. A plumber can perform diagnostics on your private-side system, start cleanup, and offer temporary solutions to reduce damage while the root cause is identified.

What utilities do vs. what you do

Utilities typically repair and maintain sewer mains in the public right-of-way and respond to reports of sanitary sewer overflows or blocked mains. They can advise on containment and public health hazards and coordinate public-area cleanups.

Homeowners are usually responsible for the private sewer lateral from the building to the point of connection with the public main, as well as internal fixtures and cleanouts. Ownership lines vary by jurisdiction, so confirm with your utility. Expect to hire a licensed plumber to diagnose and repair private-side problems.

What a plumber will do

A plumber’s first goal is to determine where the blockage is and why it happened. You can expect:

• Camera inspection. A sewer camera shows the location and cause of the blockage, such as roots, grease buildup, or a collapsed section. It helps distinguish private-lateral issues from public-main problems.
• Mechanical auger/snaking. Snaking can clear many blockages, including roots, but it may be temporary if the pipe is damaged.
• Hydro-jetting. High-pressure water can clear grease and roots more thoroughly than snaking.
• Trenchless repair. Methods like cured-in-place pipe lining or pipe-bursting can fix damaged laterals with less digging.
• Open excavation. If needed, a traditional dig exposes and replaces the damaged section.

Ask for written estimates and itemized proposals before approving major work. If a camera inspection shows the problem is in the public main, contact the utility to confirm next steps before authorizing private repairs.

Costs, insurance, and records

Keep a detailed log of calls and emails, including names, times, and incident numbers. Save photos, videos, and all receipts for cleanup, plumbing, and temporary repairs.

Standard homeowners policies often exclude sewer backup unless you add a specific endorsement. Review your declarations page and call your insurer promptly to discuss coverage and claims procedures. If the utility confirms a public-main failure, ask about any reimbursement or claims process they may have. Policies differ, so verify with your provider.

Prevention for Castle Hills homes

• Schedule periodic plumbing inspections, especially in older homes or if large trees are near your lateral.
• Avoid flushing wipes, grease, and other materials that can clog lines.
• Manage roots near your lateral; root intrusion is a frequent cause of blockages.
• Ensure your cleanout is accessible and properly capped for faster diagnosis.
• Consider a sewer-backup insurance endorsement if your home or neighborhood is at higher risk.

Quick local checklist

• Immediately: stop water use, avoid contact, ventilate, and move belongings.
• Check: is the cleanout overflowing? Are neighbors affected? Any manhole or street overflow?
• Call: confirm your wastewater provider via your utility bill or Castle Hills City Hall. If SAWS is your provider and the signs point to a public-main issue, report it. If it appears isolated to your property, call a licensed plumber.
• Ask: note names, incident numbers, and advice given by both the utility and your plumber.
• Follow up: request a camera inspection, ask the utility to evaluate public-main concerns, and review your insurance coverage.

Sample reporting script

When you call your utility or plumber, have this ready:

“Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I’m at [Your Address] in Castle Hills. We have [describe the problem, such as sewage backing up in the first-floor shower and toilet gurgling]. The issue began around [time]. Our [cleanout is/is not] overflowing. [Neighbors are/are not] experiencing similar issues. I have photos and video available. Can you advise whether this is likely a public-main or private-lateral problem and the next steps?”

When you are selling or buying

If you plan to sell or buy in north-central Bexar County, it helps to understand a home’s sewer lateral condition before you make big decisions. A pre-listing plumbing check or a buyer’s camera inspection can reveal hidden issues early, avoid surprises, and provide clarity on repair options. As a northside San Antonio real estate resource, Melisa Fitchett pairs local insight with practical checklists like this to help you plan with confidence.

If you need a referral to reputable local plumbers or want guidance on pre-sale prep, reach out. You will get straight answers, neighborly perspective, and a plan that fits your timeline.

Ready to talk through your situation or your next move in Castle Hills? Your Trusted Guide — let’s connect with Unknown Company.

FAQs

Who owns the sewer lateral in Castle Hills?

• Ownership varies by jurisdiction. Many areas assign the private lateral to the homeowner up to the public main, but you should confirm with your wastewater provider or Castle Hills City Hall.

If SAWS serves my home, will SAWS fix my clogged lateral?

• Utilities generally handle public mains, not private laterals. Report suspected public-main issues to SAWS and confirm responsibilities for your specific address.

Should I call a plumber or the utility first for a backup?

• If multiple homes or the street are affected, call the utility first. If only one fixture or only your home is affected, call a licensed plumber.

What information should I have when I call about a backup?

• Your address, when the issue started, what fixtures are affected, cleanout status, whether neighbors are affected, and photos or video. Ask for names and incident numbers.

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backups?

• Often not by default. Coverage may be available through a sewer-backup endorsement. Review your policy and contact your insurer as soon as possible.