Sewage Cleanup
Services
Sewage backups are a serious health hazard that demand immediate professional response. Doan Restoration's trained crews arrive in full PPE with the equipment and protocols to safely clean, sanitize, and restore your property.
The Health Risks of Sewage Backups
Sewage backups are classified as Category 3 — or "black water" — the most dangerous category of water damage. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens that pose serious health risks to anyone who comes into contact with contaminated surfaces, air, or materials.
Exposure to sewage can cause gastroenteritis, hepatitis A, E. coli infections, and respiratory issues. Children, elderly residents, and anyone with a compromised immune system are especially vulnerable. Even after visible sewage is removed, dangerous pathogens remain on surfaces and within porous materials.
This is not a cleanup you should attempt yourself. Doan Restoration's crews are trained in biohazard protocols, arrive in full personal protective equipment, and follow EPA and OSHA guidelines for safe sewage remediation.
Our Sewage Cleanup Process
Every step follows strict biohazard safety protocols to protect your family and our crew.
Emergency Response & Containment
We arrive in full PPE and immediately isolate the affected area to prevent cross-contamination. The sewage source is identified and stopped.
Sewage Extraction
All standing sewage and contaminated water is extracted using commercial-grade pumps and extraction equipment. Nothing is left behind.
Contaminated Material Removal
Porous materials that absorbed sewage — carpet, padding, drywall (up to the flood line plus 12 inches), and insulation — are removed and disposed of according to biohazard regulations.
Cleaning & Disinfection
All remaining surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with EPA-registered antimicrobial and disinfectant agents. We clean walls, floors, framing, and any salvageable contents.
Drying & Dehumidification
Commercial air movers and dehumidifiers ensure the structure is completely dried to prevent mold growth — which can begin within 24–48 hours of sewage exposure.
Restoration & Rebuild
We replace removed materials — drywall, flooring, trim, and other components — restoring your home to its pre-loss condition. All work is documented for your insurance claim.
Common Causes of Sewage Backups in Columbus
Municipal Sewer Overflows
Columbus's combined sewer system can be overwhelmed during heavy rain, causing sewage to back up through basement floor drains and lower-level plumbing fixtures.
Tree Root Infiltration
Tree roots naturally seek out sewer lines for moisture and nutrients. Over time, they crack pipes and create blockages that cause sewage to back up into homes.
Aging Sewer Lines
Many Columbus neighborhoods have clay or cast iron sewer lines that are decades old. These pipes crack, collapse, and corrode — leading to partial or complete blockages.
Sump Pump Failures
When sump pumps fail during heavy rain events, groundwater mixed with sewage can flood basements — especially in older Columbus homes without backflow prevention.
Sewage Backup: What to Do Immediately
check Do This
- 1. Evacuate the affected area immediately — keep children and pets away
- 2. Call Doan Restoration at (614) 673-6985 for emergency biohazard cleanup
- 3. Turn off HVAC systems to prevent airborne contamination
- 4. Open windows for ventilation if safely accessible
- 5. Document the damage with photos from a safe distance
close Avoid This
- 1. Do NOT walk through sewage water — even with boots
- 2. Do NOT attempt to clean sewage yourself — it requires biohazard training
- 3. Do NOT use household fans to dry the area — this spreads contamination
- 4. Do NOT flush toilets or run water until the backup source is identified
- 5. Do NOT eat food or use items that came into contact with sewage water
Sewage Cleanup FAQ
Is sewage cleanup covered by homeowner's insurance?
Most policies cover sewage backup if you have the optional "sewer and drain backup" endorsement. We work directly with your insurance company and handle all claim documentation. We'll help you understand your coverage before any work begins.
How dangerous is sewage exposure?
Very dangerous. Raw sewage contains E. coli, salmonella, hepatitis A, and other pathogens. Even brief skin contact or inhalation of contaminated air can cause serious illness. Professional biohazard cleanup is essential — this is not a DIY situation.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
Most sewage cleanups take 3–5 days including extraction, material removal, disinfection, and drying. Restoration and rebuild add additional time depending on the scope of materials that need replacement.
Will my home smell after sewage cleanup?
No. Our thorough cleaning, disinfection, and deodorization process eliminates all sewage odors. We use commercial-grade antimicrobial agents and odor-neutralizing treatments — not just air fresheners.
Can I prevent future sewage backups?
Yes. We recommend installing a backwater valve on your sewer line, maintaining your sump pump, and having your sewer line inspected with a camera every few years. We can advise on prevention strategies specific to your property.
Sewage Cleanup Across Columbus & Franklin County
We provide emergency sewage cleanup and biohazard restoration throughout the greater Columbus area.
Sewage Emergency? Don't Touch It — Call Us.
Our biohazard-trained crews arrive in 60 minutes with full PPE. We handle everything and bill your insurance directly.