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Sewage & Biohazard

Sewage Cleanup

Safe cleanup and sanitization

Technician repairing plumbing beneath a sink

A sewage backup is different from a typical water event — it involves contaminated water that can carry bacteria and other pathogens, which means it needs to be handled with proper safety equipment and cleaning protocols, not treated like a standard cleanup. Our technicians are trained to manage sewage incidents safely, from initial containment through final sanitization.

Because sewage water is considered contaminated, affected porous materials often can't be cleaned and salvaged the way they might be after a clean water loss. We help you understand what needs to be removed, what can be treated, and how the area will be sanitized before repairs begin.

What's Included

Sewage Cleanup Capabilities

A closer look at what our team handles as part of this service.

Safe Containment

The affected area is contained to prevent contaminated water from spreading to unaffected parts of the property.

Sewage Extraction

Specialized equipment removes contaminated water while our technicians use proper personal protective equipment.

Cleaning & Sanitization

Affected surfaces are cleaned and sanitized using products appropriate for contaminated water cleanup.

Structural Drying

Once sanitized, the area is dried thoroughly using air movers and dehumidifiers.

Contaminated Material Removal

Porous materials that were exposed to sewage, such as carpet or drywall, are typically removed and disposed of properly.

Odor Treatment

Odor control measures are applied as part of the sanitization process.

Common Causes

What Typically Causes This

Sewer line backups

Blockages, tree root intrusion, or municipal sewer issues can cause wastewater to back up into a property.

Septic system failure

An overwhelmed or failing septic system can cause sewage to back up into drains, toilets, or basements.

Toilet and drain overflow

Clogs or plumbing failures can cause toilets or floor drains to overflow with contaminated water.

Heavy rain and flooding

Severe flooding can overwhelm sewer systems, pushing wastewater back into homes and businesses.

Watch For

Warning Signs

  • A strong sewage odor in the home or business
  • Visible wastewater backup in toilets, drains, or floor drains
  • Gurgling sounds from drains or slow-draining fixtures
  • Water stains or standing contaminated water in a basement
  • Multiple fixtures backing up at the same time

Our Process

How We Handle Sewage Cleanup

  1. 1

    Emergency Contact

    Call our 24/7 line right away — sewage should not be treated as a standard water cleanup.

  2. 2

    Safety Assessment

    We assess the contamination level and set up proper containment before work begins.

  3. 3

    Extraction

    Contaminated water is safely extracted using specialized equipment.

  4. 4

    Removal of Contaminated Materials

    Porous materials that can't be safely cleaned are removed and disposed of according to safety guidelines.

  5. 5

    Cleaning & Sanitizing

    Remaining surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

  6. 6

    Drying & Restoration

    The area is dried and, once safe, repairs can begin to restore the space.

Do This First

What You Should Do Immediately

  1. 1Keep children, pets, and household members away from the affected area.
  2. 2Avoid direct contact with sewage water.
  3. 3Do not attempt to clean sewage backup yourself without proper protective equipment.
  4. 4Turn off the water supply if a plumbing failure is the cause and it's safe to do so.
  5. 5Open windows for ventilation if possible.
  6. 6Call a professional sewage cleanup team as soon as possible.
Our Team

What Our Technicians Do

  • Assess contamination levels and set up containment to protect the rest of the property.
  • Extract contaminated water using specialized equipment and safety protocols.
  • Remove porous materials that were exposed to sewage and can't be safely cleaned.
  • Clean and sanitize all affected surfaces.
  • Dry the area thoroughly once sanitization is complete.
  • Coordinate repairs to restore the space once it's safe.

Benefits

Why Choose Us for Sewage Cleanup

  • Technicians trained in safe contaminated-water cleanup protocols
  • Proper containment to protect unaffected areas of your property
  • Clear guidance on what can be cleaned versus what needs removal
  • Sanitization as a distinct step, not an afterthought
  • Follow-through to drying and repair once the area is safe

Questions

Sewage Cleanup FAQs

Is sewage cleanup something I should do myself?

We don't recommend it. Sewage water is considered contaminated and can carry bacteria and pathogens, so it requires proper personal protective equipment, containment, and sanitization procedures to handle safely.

Will sewage-contaminated carpet or drywall be saved?

In most cases, porous materials that come into contact with sewage — such as carpet, carpet padding, and sometimes drywall — need to be removed rather than cleaned, since contamination can be absorbed deep into the material.

How long does sewage cleanup take?

It depends on the extent of the backup and the size of the affected area. Extraction and initial containment can often begin the same day you call, with sanitization and drying continuing over the following days.

What causes a sewage backup?

Common causes include sewer line blockages, tree root intrusion, septic system failure, and municipal sewer issues during heavy rain. Identifying the cause is an important part of preventing the issue from happening again.

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Need Sewage Cleanup Help Right Now?

Our team is available 24/7 to respond to property emergencies. Call now or request a free quote and we'll follow up quickly.

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