Sewage cleanup is the safe removal of Category 3 (black) water from a toilet overflow, a main line backup or a septic or lift station problem. Keep everyone, especially children, pets and anyone with health conditions, away from the area, stop using water, and don't try to clean it with household products. Porous materials it touched are usually removed, and every surface is cleaned, sanitized and dried. Call (786) 732-2700.
Sewage backup: what to do right now
Health risk. Sewage can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites. Avoid skin contact, keep children and pets out, and wash hands thoroughly if you touch anything. Don't use bleach mixed with other cleaners.
- Stop using water: no flushing, showers, dishwasher or laundry until the cause is known.
- Turn off power to the affected area if it's safe.
- Close off the area and turn off HVAC that pulls air from the affected rooms.
- Call a plumber to clear or repair the line. If you're on the county sewer and suspect a public-side problem, contact Miami-Dade Water and Sewer.
- Photograph the area for your insurance claim.
Common causes of sewage backups
- Clogged main line from grease, wipes, paper products or roots.
- Toilet overflow from a blocked toilet or branch line.
- Heavy rain that overloads sewer systems or septic drain fields.
- Collapsed or offset pipes in older cast iron or clay lines.
- Septic tank or drain field failure on properties not connected to sewer.
- Grease buildup in restaurant and commercial kitchen lines.
How professional sewage cleanup works
- Protective gear and containment: technicians use protective equipment, and plastic barriers keep contamination from spreading.
- Removal of waste and water with pumps and extractors.
- Removal of contaminated porous materials: carpet, pad, the lower part of affected drywall, insulation and some cabinet parts.
- Cleaning of hard surfaces, followed by an antimicrobial treatment.
- Drying of the slab, walls and framing (structural drying).
- Odor control once the source is gone and surfaces are clean.
- Verification that materials are dry and the area is clean before rebuilding.
What can be saved after a sewage backup
| Material | Usually |
|---|---|
| Carpet and pad that touched sewage | Removed and discarded |
| Drywall and insulation that wicked sewage | Cut out and discarded |
| Tile, terrazzo, concrete, block | Cleaned, sanitized and dried |
| Solid wood and metal furniture | Often cleanable |
| Upholstery, mattresses, soft toys | Usually discarded |
| Clothing and fabrics | Sometimes restorable through specialty laundering |
Is sewage backup covered by insurance?
Many standard homeowners policies exclude sewer or drain backup unless you added a "water backup" endorsement. Flood policies have their own rules for backups caused by flooding. Look for that endorsement in your policy, report the loss quickly and keep detailed photos and receipts. See insurance documentation.
If the backup came with floodwater from outside, read flood damage restoration as well. Businesses with restrooms or kitchens should also see commercial water damage.
Questions Tamiami homeowners ask
Can I clean up a small toilet overflow myself?
A small overflow of clean water from the tank onto tile can be cleaned with care. Overflow from the bowl, or any backup from the drain, is contaminated. If it reached carpet, baseboards or other rooms, professional cleanup is safer.
Is it safe to stay in my home after a sewage backup?
Keep everyone away from the affected area until it has been cleaned and sanitized. People who are pregnant, elderly, very young or have weakened immune systems should be especially careful.
Why does carpet have to be thrown out after sewage?
Carpet and pad are porous and absorb contaminated water deep into the fibers. They can't be reliably sanitized after Category 3 exposure.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup?
Often only if you have a water or sewer backup endorsement. Check your policy, report the loss quickly and document everything.
What causes sewage to back up into a house?
Common causes are clogs from grease, wipes or roots, collapsed or offset pipes, heavy rain overloading the system and septic failures.
Service area: Tamiami, FL
Serving Tamiami in west Miami-Dade, ZIP codes 33175 33182 33184. Mailing address: 14245 SW 128th St #308, Miami, FL 33186.
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