What this covers
A sewage backup contaminates everything it touches. Sewage cleanup means sealing the affected area off from the rest of the home, removing the waste and every porous material it reached, cleaning and disinfecting the hard surfaces that remain, and drying the space before it is rebuilt. The crew works in protective suits, gloves and respirators, and contaminated material leaves the home in sealed bags.
When to call
- Waste water backing up through a floor drain, toilet, tub or basement sink.
- A sewage smell in a basement, crawlspace or bathroom after heavy rain.
- A septic system that has overflowed into the yard or the house.
What to expect
- Keep out, containThe area is closed off with plastic sheeting and a sealed entry so contamination does not spread through the home.
- RemoveWaste, standing water and every porous material it touched are removed and bagged: carpet, padding, drywall, insulation and affected contents.
- Clean, disinfect, dryHard surfaces are cleaned, treated with disinfectant and dried. The company may use air scrubbers to filter the air while it works.
- Clear to rebuildWhen the area is clean and dry, the company tells you it is ready for repairs.
First, make it safe
Get a certified company
Tell us what happened and we will connect you with one certified restoration company for your ZIP code. Your details are shared only after you agree to that company by name.
Questions people ask
Is it safe to clean a small backup myself?
Sewage carries bacteria and viruses. A certified company treats even a small backup as contaminated work with protective equipment, and the safety steps say to keep people and pets out of the area. When in doubt, wait for the company.
Why is the drywall being cut out?
Drywall and insulation absorb contaminated water and cannot be disinfected inside. They are cut to a clean line above the water mark and replaced during the rebuild.
Will the smell go away?
Once the source is fixed and the contaminated materials are removed, cleaned and dried, the smell goes with them. Lingering odor after that is treated as a separate step.
Related: Flood cleanup · Odor removal · Biohazard and trauma cleanup · All restoration and emergency services
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.