Sewage & biohazard · Emergency service
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. Don't try to clean sewage with household products and a mop.
Backups usually come from a blocked main line, tree roots in older clay or cast-iron sewer pipe, or a city main overloaded during heavy rain.
Homes with basements usually see backups at the floor drain first. Slab homes see them at the lowest fixture, usually a shower or tub.
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 All 50 states + D.C.
- 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
- All 50 states + D.C.
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 quote after an assessment. These factors drive the number:
- Volume and spread
- Materials removed
- Disinfection scope
- Drain repair by a plumber
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
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.
Where this service is available
Available in all 50 states and D.C. These cities have their own local pages:
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.