Water damage
Sewage backup cleanup
Sewage is Category 3 black water. Anything porous it soaked (carpet, pad, drywall) is removed, hard surfaces are cleaned and disinfected, and the area is dried. Keep people and pets out until it's done.
- Free call, no obligation
- Serving 22 DFW cities
- Independent, local restoration companies
- Documentation for your insurance claim
Backups in North Texas often come from roots in older clay sewer lines, grease clogs, or the city main surcharging during heavy rain. Slab homes feel it first at the lowest drain, usually a shower or tub.
A plumber clears the line; the restoration company handles everything the sewage touched.
What to do first
- 1.Stop using water in the house.
- 2.Keep children and pets away.
- 3.Don't run the HVAC if it pulls air from the affected area.
- 4.Call a plumber to clear the line.
Sewage backup cleanup at a glance
- Category
- Water damage
- Area
- Dallas–Fort Worth
- Urgency
- Start within 24–48 hours
- Who does the work
- Independent local restoration company
Signs you need sewage backup cleanup
- Water coming up from a floor drain, shower or toilet
- Gurgling drains
- Sewer smell inside
- Several fixtures backing up at once
- Wet flooring near bathrooms with no clear leak
How the work is done
- 1
Containment
The area is isolated so contamination doesn't track through the house.
- 2
Removal
Sewage is extracted and porous materials are bagged and discarded.
- 3
Disinfection
Surfaces are cleaned and treated with EPA-registered disinfectants.
- 4
Drying and rebuild
The structure is dried and verified before replacement.
Before and after
Water-damaged ceiling
Wet drywall and insulation removed, framing dried to a measured standard, then new drywall, texture and paint.
Example photos (stock), not a job by any company on this site.
What affects the cost
Pricing is set by the restoration company after an inspection. These are the factors that move it.
- Amount of affected area
- Porous materials to remove
- Containment needs
- Contents disposal
- Rebuild
Safe to handle yourself
- Stop using water
- Keep people out of the area
Stop and call a pro
- Any contact cleanup of sewage
- Wet carpet or drywall from sewage
- Backups affecting several rooms
Sewage backup cleanup FAQ
Can sewage-soaked carpet be cleaned?
No. Industry standard (IICRC S500) calls for removing carpet and pad soaked by sewage. Hard surfaces like tile and sealed concrete can be cleaned and disinfected.
Who pays when the city sewer backs up into my house?
Standard policies often exclude sewer backup unless you added a water backup endorsement. If the city main caused it, you can file a claim with the city, but coverage isn't guaranteed.
Related
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Need sewage backup cleanup in DFW?
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