Water damage · Sewage backup
Sewage backup cleanup and reconstruction
Sewage is not just a water problem. It is contaminated water, so cleanup decisions are based on exposure and material type, not only whether something feels dry.
What to do first
Keep people away from the contaminated area
01Keep children, pets, and unnecessary foot traffic out of the affected area.
02Do not use household fans that can distribute contaminated aerosols through the building.
03Avoid direct contact with sewage or contaminated porous materials.
04If the backup is active, arrange for the plumbing or sewer source to be stopped.
05Call for an assessment before removing materials through unaffected rooms.
What we do
How contaminated-water cleanup differs
01Identify the affected area and establish safe work boundaries.
02Extract contaminated water using appropriate equipment and handling procedures.
03Remove porous materials that cannot be safely restored after sewage exposure.
04Clean and disinfect remaining surfaces, then dry the structure to documented targets.
05Rebuild affected walls, flooring, trim, and finishes after the area is ready.
Insurance
Sewer and drain backup usually needs specific coverage
Standard homeowners policies commonly exclude water that backs up through sewers or drains. Some policies add sewer or water-backup protection through an endorsement, so a customer with that endorsement may have coverage even when a standard policy would not.
Coverage depends on the cause of loss, your policy, endorsements, limits, and deductible. We document the damage and our work; your insurer makes the coverage decision.
See common coverage patterns →Related services
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