Sewage Backup Cleanup
A sewage backup is a health hazard, not a mess. Raw wastewater carries bacteria, viruses and parasites, and the IICRC classifies it as Category 3, grossly contaminated, which mandates removal of porous materials rather than cleaning them. Crews arrive in full protective equipment with containment, and the affected area should stay empty until they do.
What the job involves
- Contain the affected area to stop cross contamination into clean parts of the building
- Extract and dispose of sewage and contaminated water under regulated waste handling
- Remove porous materials the wastewater contacted, including carpet, pad, drywall, insulation and particleboard
- Clean and disinfect all remaining surfaces with EPA registered antimicrobials
- Deodorize, including HVAC ductwork where contamination reached it
- Dry the structure and verify with moisture readings before any rebuild
Signs you need sewage backup cleanup
- Wastewater backing up through floor drains, tubs or toilets
- Multiple drains in the building running slow at the same time
- Gurgling from a toilet when a washing machine or sink drains
- A persistent sewage smell indoors or around the property
- Unusually lush or sunken patches of lawn over the sewer lateral
How it works, step by step
- Evacuate and contain. People and pets stay clear. The crew sets containment barriers and negative air pressure so contamination does not spread to unaffected rooms.
- Extract. Wastewater is removed and disposed of as regulated waste. It does not go down a household drain.
- Remove. Everything porous that the sewage touched comes out. This is not a judgment call, the standard requires it.
- Disinfect. All remaining surfaces are cleaned and treated with EPA registered antimicrobials, then deodorized.
- Dry and clear. Structural drying to the documented dry standard, then post remediation verification before anything is rebuilt.
What sewage backup cleanup costs
Nationally, sewage backup cleanup runs between $2,000 and $10,000 and typically takes 4 to 7 days. Local pricing varies with labor rates and the extent of the damage. Pick your city below for a local range.
Common questions
Is a sewage backup dangerous?
Yes. Raw wastewater carries E. coli, salmonella, hepatitis A and parasites, and drying sewage aerosolizes pathogens that are then inhaled. Keep people and pets out of the area, do not run the HVAC system, and do not attempt to clean it yourself with household products.
Can I clean up sewage myself?
You should not. Beyond the health risk, the IICRC S500 standard requires removal rather than cleaning of porous materials that contacted Category 3 water, and household disinfectants do not achieve the required kill on a porous surface. A do it yourself attempt also tends to void the insurance claim, because carriers require documented professional remediation.
Who is responsible if the backup came from the city main?
It depends where the blockage was. You are generally responsible for the lateral running from the building to the main, and the municipality is responsible for the main itself. Have the crew document the source, because that determination decides whether you claim against your insurer or against the city, and cities usually have short notice deadlines.
Does insurance cover sewage backup?
Only with a sewer and drain backup endorsement, which is not included in most standard homeowners policies. It typically costs $40 to $150 a year and is one of the better value add ons available. Check your declarations page before you need it.