Sewage & biohazard · Emergency service
Sewage backup cleanup in New Jersey
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 New Jersey: local conditions
Partner coverage for sewage and biohazard cleanup in New Jersey includes 155 ZIP codes. Call with your ZIP to confirm a company serves your address.
Older cities like Newark, Jersey City and Paterson have aging water and sewer lines, and backups during storms are common.
In Newark: Newark's older combined sewer system can back up into basements during heavy rain. In Trenton: Leaks and backups travel through shared walls between rowhomes. In Paterson: Combined sewers back up into basements during heavy storms. In Jersey City: Heavy rain overloads combined sewers and backs water into basements.
Pre-war homes and two-family houses are common in north Jersey, with Cape Cods and split-levels in the suburbs. Finished basements raise the cost of any water loss.
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Ask for the registration number, which must appear on contracts and ads.
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 New Jersey
- 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
- New Jersey
Other risks in New Jersey
Flash flooding and basements
Heavy rain overwhelms storm drains and pushes water into basements, including basement apartments. Sump pumps and backwater valves are common defenses.
Coastal storm surge
Barrier islands and bayfront towns face surge during hurricanes and nor'easters, and many homes there have been elevated since Sandy.
Signs you need sewage backup cleanup
- Water coming up from floor drains, tubs or toilets
- Gurgling drains
- Sewage odor in the house
How the work is done
Protect, then Remove, then Disinfect, then Dry. See the full sewage backup cleanup process.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on the job, so restoration companies in New Jersey 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.
Sewage backup cleanup questions
Is basement flooding covered by insurance in New Jersey?
It depends on the source. Flood water from outside needs a flood policy, sewer or drain backup usually needs a water backup endorsement, and a burst pipe is typically covered by homeowners insurance.
How do I check a New Jersey home improvement contractor?
Look up their registration with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, and confirm their insurance before work starts.
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.
Cities in New Jersey
Other services in New Jersey
Related pages
More about water and storm damage in New Jersey, or see sewage backup cleanup nationwide.
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.
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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.