Why is sewage cleanup different from other water damage?
Sewage is Category 3 water, the most contaminated rating in the IICRC S500 standard, so cleanup focuses on removal and disinfection rather than drying in place. Sewage can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites. Materials it soaks, such as carpet, pad, drywall and insulation, are removed rather than dried.
What to do right now
- Stop using water. Don't flush toilets or run sinks, showers, washers or dishwashers.
- Keep people and pets out of the affected area.
- Don't try to clean it with household products or a shop vac.
- Turn off HVAC if the backup is near return air vents, to avoid spreading odor and contamination.
- Call a plumber to clear the line, and call us for cleanup.
Common causes of sewage backups
- Tree roots growing into the main sewer line
- Grease, wipes and paper products blocking drains
- Sagging or collapsed older sewer pipes
- City sewer lines overloaded during monsoon storms
- Toilet overflows that come from a blocked line
How we clean up sewage
- Protect the crew and your home. Technicians wear protective gear, and we contain the area to keep contamination from spreading.
- Remove the sewage. Liquid and solids are pumped and extracted.
- Remove contaminated materials. Carpet, pad, the bottom of drywall, insulation and porous items that sewage touched are removed and bagged.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces such as tile, concrete and framing.
- Dry the structure with dehumidifiers and air movers. See structural drying.
- Deodorize and verify. The area is checked before rebuilding begins.
- Rebuild. Our water damage repair crew restores walls and floors.
Toilet overflows: clean or contaminated?
It depends on what was in the bowl and how long the water sat. Overflow from a toilet tank or clean bowl is usually treated as Category 2. Overflow containing feces, or any water from a sewer line backup, is Category 3. Water that sits for a day or more becomes more contaminated either way. Our guide to water damage categories and classes explains the ratings. For leaks from supply lines, wax rings and showers, see toilet and bathroom leak damage.
Belongings touched by sewage
Hard items such as metal, glass and sealed plastic can often be cleaned and disinfected. Soft items such as upholstered furniture, mattresses, stuffed toys and paper usually can't be made safe and are discarded. We photograph and list what's removed so you have a record for your insurance claim.