Sewage & biohazard · Emergency service
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup in Maine
Sewage backups, contaminated floodwater and other biohazards are Category 3 losses. They need protective equipment, removal of porous materials that were touched, cleaning and disinfection of everything else, and careful drying.
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup in Maine: local conditions
Partner coverage for sewage and biohazard cleanup in Maine includes 84 ZIP codes, with local pages for Portland. Call with your ZIP to confirm a company serves your address.
In Portland: Strong nor'easters push storm surge onto the waterfront and Commercial Street, and the January 2024 storms brought record tides to Portland. In Augusta: The river floods downtown, as in 1987 and 2023.
Older Maine homes often have limited insulation, oil-fired boilers that can puff back soot, and private wells and septic systems. All of these affect water, smoke and sewage cleanup.
Maine doesn't license general contractors statewide, though electricians and plumbers are licensed. Ask for insurance, references and a written contract. Maine law requires written contracts for home construction jobs over $3,000.
What you can expect
- One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code.
- Fast call-back during business hours
- Serving Maine
- Photo and moisture documentation for insurance
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup at a glance
- Category
- Sewage & biohazard
- Emergency service
- Yes, call for fastest response
- Typical first step
- Protect people and contain the area
- Area
- Maine
Other risks in Maine
Frozen and burst pipes
Extended sub-zero spells freeze pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces and unheated additions. Seasonal camps and second homes are especially at risk if the heat fails while nobody is there.
Ice dams
Heavy snow loads and heat loss through older roofs create ice dams that force meltwater under shingles and into walls and ceilings.
Basement moisture
Fieldstone and older poured foundations let groundwater in during spring melt, and damp basements grow mold.
Signs you need sewage & biohazard cleanup
- Water or waste coming up through floor drains, toilets or tubs
- A strong sewage smell in a basement or bathroom
- Floodwater that entered the home from outside
How the work is done
Protect people and contain the area, then Remove contaminated water, then Remove porous materials, then Clean and disinfect, then Verify and rebuild. See the full sewage & biohazard cleanup process.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on the job, so restoration companies in Maine quote after an assessment. The main drivers are how much area is affected, how long it stayed wet, and what has to be removed or rebuilt. See the full list of sewage & biohazard cleanup cost factors.
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup questions
How do I protect a Maine camp or second home from frozen pipes?
Winterize it: drain the lines, shut off the water, and add plumbing antifreeze to traps. If you keep the heat on, install a low-temperature alarm or a remote sensor and have someone check after storms.
What is an oil burner puffback?
A malfunctioning oil burner can release a burst of soot through the house. The soot is oily and smears, so professional soot cleanup is usually needed.
Can I clean up a small sewage backup myself?
A small backup on a hard, non-porous floor sometimes can be with gloves, boots and disinfectant. Anything that reached carpet, drywall or other porous materials needs professional cleanup.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backups?
Usually only with a sewer or drain backup endorsement. Flooding from outside needs a flood policy.
Cities in Maine
Other services in Maine
Related pages
More about water and storm damage in Maine, or see sewage & biohazard cleanup nationwide.
Related services
Sewage backup cleanup
Sewage cleanup treats the water as Category 3 (grossly contaminated): crews in protective gear remove it, discard porous materials it touched, clean and disinfect hard surfaces, and dry the structure.
Learn more
Biohazard cleanup
Biohazard cleanup removes and disposes of blood, bodily fluids and other potentially infectious material, then cleans and disinfects the area so it's safe to use.
Learn more
Flood damage cleanup
Flood cleanup treats outside floodwater as contaminated: it removes water and mud, cuts out wet drywall and insulation above the waterline, sanitizes, and dries the structure.
Learn moreWater, mold or fire damage? Get the right crew on it.
One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Fast call-back during business hours.