Sewer Backup in Gwinnett County: Who to Call First
Sewage backing up through your drains is a county process before it’s a contractor job. Here’s who handles what in Gwinnett County — and who to call for the cleanup afterward.
Gwinnett County Water Resources’ 24/7 line for sewer backups — the county’s number, not ours.
First: Stop Using Water, Then Call the County
If sewage is backing up through your drains, toilets or lower-level fixtures, stop using as much water as possible — no dishwashers, showers, or washing machines — and call Gwinnett County Water Resources’ 24/7 dispatch line at (678) 376-7000. That number reaches the county’s emergency dispatch center, not Water Damage Gwinnett; its operators handle sewer backups and overflows around the clock.
Calling the county first matters because the fix depends on where the blockage sits — and only the county can determine that. Don’t call a plumber first and hope; the county’s process decides who pays for what.
What the County Handles
Once you call, the county sends an investigator to your property — day or night — to examine the sewer main and your service lateral up to the edge of the county right-of-way. If the blockage is in the sewer main, or in the portion of your lateral within the right-of-way, the county calls a crew to clear it and restore flow.
What the Homeowner Handles
If the investigator finds the blockage in your lateral outside the right-of-way — or a leak in the line between your home and the water meter — the repair is the property owner’s responsibility, which means calling a plumber. The same goes for backups caused by roots or debris entering from your lateral: the county’s policy holds owners responsible for what their lateral sends into the county system.
If Your Plumber Finds the Blockage Was the County’s After All
Sometimes a plumber gets there first and discovers the only blockage was within the county right-of-way. In that case, have the county inspect the lateral after excavation but before the repair — call (678) 376-7000 to request it and expect a two- to three-hour wait. With that inspection on record, you can file a reimbursement claim with the county (address, statement of what happened, bills, and photos). Claims are reviewed case by case, and reimbursement isn’t guaranteed.
Water Damage Gwinnett Is Not the County
We’re a referral and call-routing service — the county’s process above comes first for the backup itself. For the contaminated cleanup inside your home, call (678) 833-0791 and we’ll route you to an independent restoration contractor. Sewage cleanup is not a DIY job.
You’ll be connected with a local restoration provider.
Sewer Backup FAQs
Common questions about backups in Gwinnett County — answered plainly.
Who do I call first when sewage is backing up?
Gwinnett County Water Resources at (678) 376-7000 — the county’s 24/7 dispatch line for sewer backups and overflows. Stop using water first (dishwashers, showers, laundry), then call. The county determines whether the blockage is in its section before anyone talks about plumbers or contractors.
Will the county fix a blockage in my yard?
Only if the blockage is in the sewer main or in the portion of your service lateral within the county right-of-way. A blockage in your lateral outside the right-of-way is the property owner’s responsibility to repair — that’s a plumber, not the county.
Who cleans up sewage inside my house?
A professional restoration contractor. Sewage is a health hazard — contaminated water, affected drywall and flooring need controlled cleanup, not household cleaners. Call (678) 833-0791 and we’ll route you to an independent local contractor for the cleanup.
Sources: Gwinnett County — Report a Problem · Gwinnett County sewer lateral repair/cleaning policy.