Sewage & biohazard · Emergency service
Sewage backup cleanup in Detroit, MI
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. Don't try to clean sewage with household products and a mop.
Sewage backup cleanup in Detroit: local conditions
In June 2021, intense rain overwhelmed the sewer system in Detroit and nearby suburbs, sending water and sewage into tens of thousands of basements. Older neighborhoods are served by combined sewers, and many homes have original clay sewer laterals that crack, sag and fill with tree roots.
Because almost every Detroit home has a basement, and many are finished or used for laundry and storage, a backup quickly damages drywall, carpet, appliances and stored belongings. Sewage cleanup requires protective gear, removal of porous materials, disinfection and thorough drying.
After cleanup, a backwater valve, repairs to the sewer lateral, and a sump pump with battery backup reduce the chance of a repeat.
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 Detroit, MI
- Photo and moisture documentation for insurance
Sewage backup cleanup at a glance
- Category
- Sewage & biohazard
- Emergency service
- Yes, call for fastest response
- Typical first step
- Protect
- Area
- Detroit, MI
Other water risks in Detroit
Basement flooding
The June 2021 storms flooded tens of thousands of basements and freeways across the region.
Frozen pipes
Long cold snaps freeze pipes in exterior walls and unheated spaces.
Aging sewer laterals
Clay laterals under older homes crack and fill with roots, causing backups.
Vacant homes nearby
Vacant houses in some Detroit neighborhoods can have burst pipes or open roofs that affect nearby homes and sewer lines.
Signs you need sewage backup cleanup
- Water coming up from floor drains, tubs or toilets
- Gurgling drains
- Sewage odor in the house
- Multiple drains backing up at once
How the work is done
- 1
Protect
The area is isolated and crews wear PPE.
- 2
Remove
Sewage is extracted and porous materials (carpet, pad, lower drywall) are removed.
- 3
Disinfect
Hard surfaces are cleaned and treated with EPA-registered disinfectant.
- 4
Dry
Structural drying, then verification before rebuild.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on the job, so restoration companies in Detroit 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 backup cleanup cost factors.
What to do right now
Safe to do yourself
- Stop using water in the house
- Keep children and pets away
Call a professional if…
- Any sewage reached carpet, drywall or HVAC
Sewage backup cleanup questions
Who is responsible for sewer backups in Detroit?
The homeowner is usually responsible for the private sewer lateral from the house to the main. Insurance coverage depends on having a sewer backup endorsement.
Can I clean sewage out of my Detroit basement myself?
It isn't recommended. Sewage contains bacteria and viruses, and porous materials it touched usually need to be removed and the area disinfected by trained crews.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup?
Often only with a water or sewer backup endorsement, which most insurers offer as an add-on. Check your declarations page.
Is sewage cleanup dangerous?
Yes. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses and parasites. Professional crews use protective equipment and disinfectants for this reason.
More about water and storm damage in Detroit, or see sewage backup cleanup across Texas.
Related services
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 moreEmergency water extraction
Water extraction is the first step of any water loss: removing standing and absorbed water with powerful pumps and extractors before drying starts.
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.