Sewage Backup: A Biohazard Requiring Immediate Action
Sewage backup is not just a plumbing problem — it is a Category 3 biohazard that poses serious health risks to your family. Sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, and pathogens including E. coli, Hepatitis A, and Salmonella. Certified biohazard remediation is required — standard water damage protocols are not sufficient.
In Detroit, sewage backups most commonly occur when the city combined sewer system becomes overwhelmed during heavy storms, pushing sewage backwards through floor drains and toilets. They also occur from blockages in private lateral lines, tree root intrusion, or grease buildup.
Why You Cannot Clean This Yourself
Household bleach cannot adequately address sewage contamination at the structural level. Sewage water penetrates porous materials — concrete, drywall, wood framing, carpet backing — and contamination remains even after surfaces appear dry. Improper cleanup creates ongoing health hazards and can result in insurance claim denial.
Our Sewage Cleanup Process
Containment. We establish barriers to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas before extraction begins.
Extraction. All sewage water is extracted using dedicated biohazard equipment. Soft goods and porous materials that cannot be decontaminated are removed and disposed of per local regulations.
HEPA cleaning. All surfaces are cleaned with HEPA vacuums to remove solid contaminants before sanitisation.
EPA-registered sanitisation. Hospital-grade disinfectants applied to all affected surfaces in concentrations that meet regulatory standards for Category 3 contamination.
Deodorisation. Industrial ozone and hydroxyl generators eliminate sewage odour at the molecular level rather than masking it.
Drying and clearance. Full structural drying is completed and documented. We can coordinate third-party clearance testing if required by your insurer.