What sewage in your tub or drains means
Sewage coming up through drains, tubs, or showers usually means there is a blockage or backup in the main sewer line, forcing waste to rise through the lowest openings in the home. This is a plumbing problem the landlord generally must fix.
When the main line is clogged or the sewer backs up, the water and waste have nowhere to go and come up through drains, bathtubs, and showers — often on the lowest floor first. That is a sign of a serious problem in the shared plumbing, not just a single clogged fixture.
Because the main line and the sewer connection are the landlord's to maintain, clearing and repairing this is typically their responsibility, not something a tenant can or should tackle. Keep everyone away from the contaminated water and report it as an emergency. If your landlord will not address sewage rising through your drains, a free review can help.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.