Sewage backup cleanup in Sacramento, CA

Why is sewage different?

The IICRC S500 standard places sewage and similar grossly contaminated water in Category 3. It can contain microorganisms that cause illness, so it is not a do-it-yourself mop-up. Porous materials that have absorbed sewage, such as carpet, padding and drywall, are usually removed and discarded rather than cleaned. Sewage cleanup is not a job for a mop and bucket: contaminated water and the porous materials it touched need to be removed, and the area cleaned and disinfected, before it is safe to use again.

What are common causes?

A blocked or damaged sewer lateral, tree roots in older lines, a municipal sewer blockage or a failed fixture can send waste into a house. Cast-iron drain lines can corrode with age; a camera inspection by a plumber identifies the cause. If several fixtures back up at once, the blockage is probably in the main line.

What does the process look like?

We contain the affected area, remove contaminated water and materials, clean and disinfect remaining surfaces and dry the structure. Everything removed is documented for your insurer. See water extraction and structural drying for related steps.

Is it covered?

Sewer or drain backup is commonly excluded from standard homeowners policies unless you added a water-backup endorsement. Check your policy and ask your insurer about it before a loss, and report any loss promptly.

Sewage is the most serious of the three categories of water damage. Wet materials left too long can grow mold, so it also helps to know when mold starts after water damage.

Sewage backup cleanup: common questions