Emergency · Sewage Backup Emergency
Sewage in Your Home — Category 3 Biohazard Response
Sewage backup is Category 3 black water — a biohazard. Evacuate affected areas, do not attempt DIY cleanup, and call IICRC-certified decontamination specialists immediately. Call (888) 840-6512 to reach a certified water damage restoration company in your area; the line is answered 24/7.
Quick answer
Sewage is Category 3 black water and it is a health matter, not a cleaning job. Keep people and pets out of the affected rooms, stop using water anywhere in the house so nothing adds to the backup, and do not attempt to clean it yourself — the pathogens, not the smell, are the reason. Everything absorbent it touched (carpet, pad, drywall to the waterline) comes out; hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected to the IICRC S500 standard. Typical $3,000–$20,000, and the clock here is about 24 hours. To reach a crew certified for contaminated-water work, (888) 840-6512, answered 24/7.
Press 1 for water damage or 2 for mold, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for about half a minute while it connects — that is normal, stay on. Have ready: the address with ZIP, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have opened an insurance claim.
The calls in order, and why: Who to call for a sewage backup
Emergency checklist
Evacuate all people and pets from affected areas immediately — sewage contains pathogens and bacteria
⚠ Do NOT walk through sewage without full PPE (Category 3 biohazard)
Open windows in unaffected areas for ventilation — do NOT use fans in the contaminated zone (aerosolizes bacteria)
⚠ Fans spread contamination to clean areas of the home
Photograph the backup source, affected rooms, and water line marks from a safe distance
⚠ Do not touch contaminated items before documentation
Do NOT attempt to clean sewage yourself — Category 3 water requires professional decontamination per IICRC S500
⚠ Bleach does not properly decontaminate porous materials like carpet and drywall
Call an IICRC-certified restoration company with Category 3 experience — the line is answered 24/7
⚠ Verify they follow IICRC S500 decontamination protocols
Call your insurer — ask specifically about sewer backup coverage (often requires a separate rider)
⚠ Standard policies often exclude sewer backup without an endorsement
Mold growth timeline
Mold Growth Clock
What happens hour by hour after water damage
0h
elapsed
Water Intrusion
lowHour 0Water enters the structure. Clock starts NOW.
Recommended Action
Shut off water source, move valuables off floor, begin documentation with photos/video.
Next milestone: Absorption Begins at 1 Hour
All Milestones
Sewage Backup Emergency FAQ
Is sewage backup covered by homeowners insurance?
Often NO — unless you have a sewer backup endorsement (typically $50–$250/year). Standard policies exclude sewer and drain backup. Check your declarations page for 'Water Backup' or 'Sewer Backup' coverage.
Can I clean sewage backup myself?
NoCategory 3 water contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
IICRC S500 requires professional extraction, antimicrobial treatment, and removal of porous materials that cannot be decontaminated. DIY cleanup creates serious health risks.
How much does sewage cleanup cost?
Sewage backup cleanup typically costs $3,000–$20,000 depending on affected area, materials involved, and whether structural demolition is required. Category 3 water costs $7–$7.50/sq ft for extraction alone, plus decontamination and material replacement.
Who do I call right now for water damage?
Call (888) 840-6512. The line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects you with an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company that serves your area. Describe what you can see — where the water is coming from, how long it has been there, and whether it smells — the more specific you are, the faster the right company is on the line.
If the source is a pipe or an appliance, shut the main water valve first. Have four things ready and the call goes quickly: the address, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have filed an insurance claim.
Still not sure which of these is your situation? (888) 840-6512 · toll-free · answered 24/7
Read the full guide: sewage backup cleanup guide
(888) 840-6512