Sewage Damage Cleanup – What Homeowners Need to Know
When you’re dealing with water cleanup in your home, sewage damage is one of the most serious and urgent situations you can face. Unlike clean water from a burst pipe or appliance leak, sewage—also known as black water—contains hazardous waste that poses a significant risk to your health and your property.
Sewage damage is not only messy and disruptive—it’s also dangerous. If not cleaned up quickly and thoroughly, it can lead to long-term structural damage, mold growth, and major health concerns. Acting fast can make all the difference, both in protecting your home and in ensuring your insurance will cover the cleanup costs.
How To Avoid Sewage Damage
Warning Signs to Watch For
You might notice slow drains, bad smells coming from sinks or showers, gurgling sounds in your toilet, or water backing up in your basement. These early warnings can give you a head start on avoiding a disaster.
Don’t Wait—Your Insurance Might Not Cover It Later
The Importance of Mitigating Damages
Homeowners insurance may cover sewage damage—but it typically comes with strings attached. One of the most important responsibilities you have is to take swift action to minimize the damage. This includes stopping the source of the problem and beginning cleanup right away.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long
If you try to clean up the mess yourself, wait several days to call for help, or fail to document the situation, your insurance company might argue that you didn’t do enough to prevent further damage. In that case, your claim could be denied altogether.
How to Protect Your Claim
To improve your chances of a smooth claims process:
- Call a professional cleanup service immediately
- Take photos of the damage
- Save all invoices and receipts
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible
Quick, documented action is your best defense—not just against damage, but against denied claims too.
Why Sewage Damage Cleanup Requires Urgency
Sewage Is a Serious Health Hazard
Sewage is classified as Category 3 water, or “black water,” because it can contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and harmful chemicals. Exposure to this contaminated water can result in serious health issues, especially for children, elderly individuals, or anyone with a compromised immune system.
It Can Wreck Your Home’s Structure
Drywall, insulation, wood, and flooring absorb wastewater quickly. Once contaminated, these materials often have to be removed and replaced entirely. The longer the sewage sits, the more likely it is to seep deep into structural elements of your home.
Odor and Air Quality Issues
The strong, lingering odor from sewage is more than just unpleasant—it’s a sign of deeper contamination. Harmful gases and airborne particles can spread throughout your home and HVAC system if not properly addressed.
Georgia’s Climate Makes Mold a Bigger Threat
With Georgia’s hot, humid weather, mold becomes a major concern fast. Mold spores can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to moisture. And in a sewage cleanup situation, moisture isn’t the only problem—you’re also dealing with contaminated air and surfaces.
In our climate, once mold starts growing, it spreads quickly and thrives. That’s why immediate cleanup and drying are absolutely essential after any sewage backup in Georgia.
Sewage vs. Clean Water – What’s the Difference?
Not All Water Damage Is the Same
It’s easy to assume that all water damage is alike, but industry standards break it down into three categories—based on the source and contamination level.
- Category 1 – Clean Water: Comes from a clean source like a broken water supply line or a faucet left running. This water is not harmful to humans.
- Category 2 – Grey Water: Slightly contaminated water from appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. It may contain mild chemical or biological pollutants.
- Category 3 – Black Water (Sewage): Highly contaminated water that can come from toilet overflows, sewer line backups, or septic failures. This water poses a serious health risk and requires specialized cleanup.
Why Sewage Damage Cleanup Requires a Different Response
Sewage damage cleanup involves more than just removing the water. It requires containment, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants rated for biohazards, and safe disposal of contaminated materials. The bacteria and viruses in black water can linger in porous materials and the air, making professional intervention essential.
Trying to treat sewage the same way you would treat clean water damage could result in mold, illness, or recurring contamination—none of which insurance will be happy to cover later.
What to Do Immediately After Discovering Sewage Damage
Step One: Stay Safe
Do not attempt to walk through or clean up sewage on your own. Keep children and pets away from the affected area and avoid using your plumbing until the problem is assessed.
Step Two: Cut Power if Needed
If sewage has entered a part of the home with electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power at the breaker—if it’s safe to do so.
Step Three: Call a Professional Right Away
Call a licensed plumber immediately to stop the source of the sewage and assess the damage. Once the plumbing issue is under control, call a certified restoration company like Restopros to handle the cleanup.
We often work directly with Restopros on sewage damage calls. Their technicians specialize in biohazard and black water cleanup, and they’re trained to fully disinfect, dry, and restore your home safely. Getting them on-site quickly not only protects your health—it also creates a clear documentation trail for your insurance provider.
Step Four: Contact Your Insurance
Let your insurance company know what’s happened and begin the claims process. Be sure to take photos, make a list of damaged items, and save all receipts from services and repairs.
Professionals Should Make It Easy
Professional plumbers who handle sewer and drain issues every day will have a relationship with a reputable water restoration company to help with clean up. A restoration team should be on site quickly to help keep damage to a minimum. Their speedy response, however, should never translate into a pushy or uncomfortable experience for you. An honest, quality focused restoration team will explain what you need (and don’t need), answer all of your questions, speak with your insurance adjuster (if you choose to file a claim, and always with your permission), and explain every step of the process to you.
What to Expect During Professional Sewage Damage Cleanup
Inspection and Containment
A restoration team will begin with an assessment of the damage and the affected materials. They’ll also set up containment barriers and wear PPE to prevent the spread of contamination.
Extraction and Disposal
Specialized pumps and vacuums are used to remove standing sewage water. Any soaked or contaminated materials—such as carpet, insulation, or drywall—are carefully removed and disposed of according to health and safety standards.
Deep Cleaning and Disinfection
Every surface is cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. Odor treatments may also be used to neutralize lingering smells.
Drying and Dehumidification
Restoration teams will use industrial fans, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers to dry the affected space thoroughly. This step is especially important in Georgia, where humidity can slow the drying process and encourage mold growth.
Final Inspection
After drying is complete, your restoration team will verify that the space is safe, dry, and ready for rebuilding—if necessary.
Can You Do Sewage Damage Cleanup Yourself?
Why It’s Not Worth the Risk
Sewage cleanup isn’t just unpleasant—it’s dangerous. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to serious infections, and without proper training and equipment, it’s almost impossible to disinfect an area completely.
Legal and Insurance Risks
Improper disposal of contaminated materials may violate local regulations. More importantly, if your insurance company determines that cleanup was done incorrectly, they may deny your claim.
Leave It to the Professionals
Between health risks, disposal requirements, and the potential for mold growth, this is one job best left to licensed pros. Companies like Restopros are equipped for this exact type of emergency. And because we work together regularly, we can coordinate plumbing repairs and cleanup efficiently—saving you time, stress, and money.
Simple Tools to Prevent Sewage Damage
Routine Plumbing and Septic Inspections
Regular inspections of your plumbing and septic system can catch small issues before they become major problems. Schedule annual checks to avoid unexpected backups.
Regular Septic Tank Pumping
For homes with septic systems, make sure to have the tank pumped every 3-5 years to prevent clogs and backups. If you notice slow drains, it may be time for a checkup.
Tree Root Management
Keep trees and shrubs away from your sewer lines to prevent roots from causing damage. Consider root barriers or regular maintenance to avoid blockages.
Backwater Valves and Sewer Alarms
Install a backwater valve or sewer alarm to prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rains or citywide plumbing failures.
Why Homeowners Trust Us for Sewage Damage Cleanup
We are experts in handling all types of water damage, including sewage. Our team is fully trained and certified in biohazard cleanup, and we use the latest technology to restore your home safely. We understand the urgency of sewage backups and are committed to providing fast, effective service.
Our partnership with trusted restoration companies like Restopros, who specialize in sewage and biohazard cleanup, ensures the process is as seamless and thorough as possible. We also assist homeowners with their insurance claims, ensuring proper documentation and smooth communication.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction has earned us countless 5-star reviews, and we’re proud to serve the community with integrity and professionalism.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home, Health, and Peace of Mind
Sewage damage is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The health risks, structural damage, and mold growth can be devastating if not addressed quickly and professionally. By acting fast and calling experienced professionals like us, you protect your home, your family, and your insurance coverage.
Don’t wait until the damage spreads—contact us today for fast, reliable sewage damage cleanup!