Sewage Backup Cleanup
Sewage backups bring Category 3 black water into the home. Cleanup needs protective gear, removal of porous materials and full sanitizing before drying and rebuilding.
Sewage backup cleanup is the removal of wastewater that backed up through toilets, tubs or floor drains, followed by disposal of contaminated materials, disinfection and drying. Sewage is Category 3 black water under the IICRC S500 standard and can carry bacteria and viruses.
Keep people and pets away, stop using sinks, toilets and appliances that drain into the line, and call for professional cleanup. Do not try to save carpet, pad or upholstery touched by sewage.
Why sewers back up
- Tree roots growing into the sewer lateral.
- Grease, wipes and debris clogging the line.
- Heavy rain overloading city sewers.
- Collapsed or sagging old pipes.
What cleanup includes
- Crews wear protective suits, gloves and respirators.
- Sewage is extracted and solids are removed.
- Carpet, pad, insulation and lower drywall touched by sewage are bagged and removed.
- Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned and disinfected.
- The area is dried with air movers and dehumidifiers and checked before repairs.
A plumber should clear or repair the line so it does not back up again. A backwater valve can help prevent future backups. Coverage usually needs a sewer backup endorsement; see the insurance guide.
Need help right now?
Call or send the form. Your request goes to an independent local restoration company that serves your area, and they contact you to set up an inspection and a written estimate.
Call now(940) 274-9880- Free to call or request an estimate
- Independent local restoration companies
- Water removal, drying, mold and repairs
- Photos and drying logs you can share with your insurer
Request a free estimate
Takes about a minute. No cost to request.
Blue Star Water Damage is a free information and referral service, not a restoration contractor. Calls and estimate requests are connected to independent restoration companies that serve your area. Those companies set their own prices and do the work.
From first call to finished repairs
The restoration industry follows the IICRC S500 standard for water damage. Here is what that looks like in plain words.
- 01
Call
Tell us what happened and where. We connect you with an available local restoration company that serves your ZIP code.
- 02
Inspect
The crew stops the source, checks for electrical hazards, classifies the water and maps how far moisture has spread with meters and thermal imaging.
- 03
Mitigate
Standing water is extracted, ruined materials are removed and drying equipment is set up. Moisture readings are logged every day.
- 04
Restore
Once materials hit their dry goal, repairs begin: drywall, flooring, paint and anything else the water took out.
- 1First hours
Stop and protect
Water shut off, power checked, valuables moved, photos taken.
- 2Hour 2 to 8
Extract
Pumps and extractors remove standing water from floors and carpet.
- 3Day 1 to 4
Dry and monitor
Air movers and dehumidifiers run while moisture is checked daily.
- 4Day 4 and on
Rebuild
Drywall, floors and finishes are repaired after the dry goal is met.
Where we connect homeowners
Local pages with area facts, common causes and local conditions.
Common questions
Is sewage backup dangerous?
Yes. Sewage can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites. Avoid contact, wear protective gear if you must enter, and leave cleanup to professionals.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backups?
Usually only if you added a sewer or water backup endorsement to your policy.
Can carpet be cleaned after a sewage backup?
No. Carpet, pad and other porous items soaked by sewage are removed and thrown away.
Who fixes the sewer line?
A plumber clears or repairs the line. The restoration company cleans and dries the building.