How much does sewage cleanup cost?

It depends on how much area got wet, the type of water, how long drying takes and what needs to be rebuilt. The company you're matched with gives you the estimate; ask for it in writing.

Is Flood Rescue Pros a restoration company?

No. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service that connects you with independent restoration companies. They perform the work and set their own prices and terms.

Can I file an insurance claim for this?

Often, if the damage was sudden and accidental. Photograph everything before cleanup, call your insurer to open a claim, and ask the restoration company to document moisture readings.

Sewage Cleanup — Flood Rescue Pros

Sewage cleanup should be done by trained, protected technicians. Sewage backup is Category 3 (black) water: it carries bacteria, viruses and parasites, so anything porous it touched (carpet, pad, drywall, insulation) is removed, and every hard surface is cleaned and disinfected before drying. Keep children, pets and anyone with a weak immune system out of the area.

Signs of a sewer backup

Water or waste coming up through a basement floor drain, shower or toilet
Several drains gurgling or backing up at the same time
A sewage smell in the basement or yard

What to do right away

Stop using water: no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher until the line is cleared.
Turn off power to the affected area if water is near outlets.
Keep everyone out, and open windows if you can do so safely.
Call a plumber or drain service to clear or repair the line.
Call a restoration company for the cleanup, and photograph the damage for your insurer.

How professional sewage cleanup works

Technicians wear protective suits, gloves, boots and respirators.
Sewage and standing water are pumped out and disposed of properly.
Contaminated porous materials are cut out and bagged.
Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned and disinfected.
The area is dried with dehumidifiers and air movers, with moisture checks until dry.
Air scrubbers help clear odor and airborne contaminants.

Mistakes to avoid

Cleaning it up with household tools and no protection.
Keeping carpet that was soaked by sewage. It can't be reliably cleaned.
Running the HVAC system if sewage reached the ducts or air handler.
Using the plumbing before the blockage is cleared, which pushes more sewage into the house.

Does insurance cover sewer backup?

Many standard homeowners policies exclude sewer and drain backup unless you added a sewer backup endorsement. Check your policy. If the backup came from the city main rather than your line, ask your local utility how to file a claim.

How to get help now

Use the Get help now button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.

Sewage Cleanup