Sewage Damage Cleanup
Sewage damage is one of the most serious forms of property damage a home or business can experience. Unlike clean water for a supply line, sewage contains contaminants that can pose health risks and quickly spread through flooring, walls, and personal belongings. Whether the issue comes from a sewer backup, drain line failure, or sump pump problem, acting quickly is critical to limit damage and reduce exposure.
Professional sewage damage cleanup goes beyond simply removing water. It involves controlled removal of contaminated materials, thorough cleaning and disinfection, and careful handling of affected areas to prevent cross-contamination. At True Restore, our team responds quickly to sewage-related losses and follows proven cleanup protocols to help restore safe, usable conditions as efficiently as possible.
Common Causes of Sewage Damage
Sewage damage can occur even in newer or well-maintained properties. Common causes include:
- Sewer line backups
- Clogged or collapsed drain lines
- Sump pump failures
- Heavy rainfall or groundwater intrusion
- Tree roots damaging sewer lines
- Toilet or main line overflows
If you’re dealing with any of these issues, avoid contact with the contaminated water and turn off HVAC systems in the affected areas.
Why Professional Cleanup is Necessary
Sewage is classified as Category 3 (black water), meaning it may contain bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens that pose serious health risks. Because of this, sewage cleanup requires more than standard cleaning methods.
Household cleaners are not designed to handle biohazards and are often ineffective at fully disinfecting contaminated areas.
Without proper protective equipment, attempting DIY cleanup can expose occupants to illness and increase the risk of cross-contamination. Sewage can easily spread to unaffected rooms through foot traffic, cleaning instruments, or improper disposal of materials. In many cases, porous materials such as carpeting, padding, drywall, and insulation absorb contaminants and cannot be safely cleaned, even if they visually appear clean.
One of the biggest risks of DIY sewage cleanup is a false sense of cleanliness. While surfaces may look or smell better, bacteria and pathogens can remain embedded in materials and continue to pose health concerns. Professional sewage damage cleanup uses controlled removal, commercial-grade disinfectants, and proven safety protocols to ensure affected areas are properly treated and restored to a safe condition.
The Professional Sewage Cleanup Process
While every situation is different, most sewage cleanup projects follow a structured process designed to protect health and prevent further contamination. The process begins with an initial inspection and safety assessment to determine the extent of contamination and evaluate potential hazards. This allows the cleanup team to create a safe and effective plan before any work begins.
Next, the affected areas are contained to prevent spreading and cross-contamination. Once secured, contaminated water is extracted and damaged materials such as carpeting, padding, drywall or insulation are removed if they cannot be safely cleaned. After removal, all remaining surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using professional-grade antimicrobial solutions designed for biohazard situations. Specialized techniques are used to address both visible contamination and bacteria that may not be visible. The space is then dried using commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers to eliminate hidden moisture that could lead to odors, mold growth, or further damage.
Once drying is complete, the area undergoes final sanitization and deodorization to neutralize lingering odors and help restore safe, usable conditions. The goal of professional sewage cleanup is not just to remove water, but to fully eliminate health risks and return the space to a clean, stable environment. Lastly, the cleanup company coordinates with a trusted partner to begin replacing any removed materials to bring the space back to how it was before the incident.
Why Choose True Restore for Sewage Cleanup
Sewage damage isn’t something that should be handled alone. Because of the health risks involved, proper cleanup requires training, protective equipment, and professional-grade cleaning methods. The right response can limit further damage, reduce lingering odors, and help return your space to a safe condition.
True Restore provides prompt, professional biohazard cleanup, including sewage damage, with a focus on safety, discretion, and clear communication. Our local team is available 24/7 and can respond in under two hours to assess the situation and begin cleanup. If you’re dealing with sewage damage or suspect contamination, contact True Restore today to get expert help right away.
Use the form below or call (208) 906-2423.