Sewage Cleanup & Sewer Backup Restoration
Category 3 water is a biohazard — sewer backups, sump-pump failures, and septic issues require strict protocols and the right PPE. We handle the dirty part so your home is safe to live in again.
What sewage cleanup actually involves
- Containment first. Poly barriers and negative air machines so contaminants do not migrate to clean parts of the house through foot traffic or HVAC.
- Bulk water extraction. Truck-mount and portable extractors remove standing water.
- Affected material removal. Porous materials that cannot be sanitized (carpet pad, drywall below the waterline, baseboards) are cut out and disposed of as regulated waste.
- Antimicrobial treatment. EPA-registered disinfectants applied to all affected surfaces per IICRC S500.
- Structural drying. Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers until moisture readings hit dry standard.
- Reconstruction. Drywall, baseboards, flooring, and paint to put your space back to pre-loss condition.
Do not DIY a sewage backup.
Without containment and the right PPE, sewage contaminants get tracked into clean rooms and spread through HVAC. Carriers also typically require professional Category 3 documentation to approve the claim. Call us first.
Active sewage backup? Call now.
We will stop the spread, contain the affected area, and start cleanup the same day.
Call Now for Emergency Help(224) 454-4376Insurance claim coordination from day one. We are not a "preferred vendor" — you choose us.
Sewage Cleanup FAQs
Is sewage backup actually dangerous?
Yes. Sewage is classified as Category 3 ("black water") under IICRC S500 — it contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Direct contact or aerosolized contact can cause illness. Sewage cleanup requires proper PPE (respirators, suits, eye protection), containment to prevent cross-contamination, antimicrobial treatment of affected surfaces, and removal of porous materials (carpet pad, drywall below the waterline) that cannot be fully sanitized.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup?
Standard homeowners policies typically exclude sewer backup as a base coverage, but most carriers offer it as an inexpensive rider (often $40–$80/year for $5K–$25K of coverage). Check your policy declarations or call your agent. We document the loss so adjusters can apply whatever coverage you have, including service-line endorsements that some carriers offer.
Why can't I just clean it up myself?
DIY sewage cleanup is high-risk for two reasons: health exposure and incomplete decontamination. Without containment, sewage contaminants get tracked into clean areas of the home through foot traffic and HVAC. Without the right antimicrobial protocols, surfaces look clean but still harbor pathogens. Insurance carriers also typically require professional Category 3 remediation documentation before paying out the claim.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
Initial cleanup and disinfection usually takes 2–4 days for a typical basement backup. Structural drying adds 3–5 days. If reconstruction is needed (new drywall, flooring, baseboards), the total project runs 2–4 weeks depending on materials and scope.
Get Your Free Assessment
Tell us about your situation. Our team will contact you within one hour to discuss restoration options and next steps.