Sewage Backup Cleanup in Englewood, CO

Sewage that comes up through a floor drain, shower or toilet carries bacteria and viruses. We remove it safely, take out materials that can't be cleaned, sanitize what's left and dry the space.

Call (303) 879-1370

Open 24/7
10+ years in restoration
Water, mold, sewage & fire
Homes & businesses

Quick answer: Sewage backup cleanup removes contaminated water, tears out porous materials it touched, cleans and sanitizes hard surfaces and dries the structure. In Englewood, cracked or root-filled sewer laterals in older homes are a common cause. Stop using water in the house and call (303) 879-1370, 24/7.

When a sewer line backs up, the water comes out at the lowest drain in the house. In most Englewood homes that's a basement floor drain, a lower-level shower or a basement toilet. What comes up is untreated wastewater, and it needs a different approach than a clean-water leak.

What sewage cleanup includes

Safety setup: protective gear, containment and ventilation
Pumping and extracting contaminated water
Removing carpet, pad, drywall, insulation and other porous materials that were touched
Bagging and disposing of contaminated debris
Cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, including concrete, framing and fixtures
Structural drying to normal moisture levels
Odor control
Documentation for insurance and, if needed, for the city or sanitation district

Why sewer backups happen in Englewood

Aging service lines. Many homes built before 1960 have clay or cast iron sewer laterals. Clay joints let roots in, and cast iron corrodes and scales on the inside.

Tree roots. Mature trees in older neighborhoods send roots toward the moisture in sewer lines. Roots grow into joints and catch debris until the line plugs.

Grease and wipes. Cooking grease hardens in pipes, and "flushable" wipes don't break down like toilet paper. Together they form blockages.

Heavy storms. Very heavy rain can overload sewer systems in some areas, especially where storm water gets into sanitary lines.

Main line blockages. Sometimes the blockage is in the public main, not your line. Your sanitation provider can tell you.

How sewage backup cleanup works

Stop the flow. Stop using water, and have a plumber clear the line or confirm the city main is open.
Contain. Plastic sheeting and negative air keep contaminants from spreading to clean areas.
Remove. Sewage is pumped out and porous materials it touched are removed.
Clean and disinfect. Hard surfaces are scrubbed and treated with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
Dry. Air movers and dehumidifiers dry the structure, now that contaminated materials are gone.
Verify and rebuild. Moisture is checked, then drywall, flooring and trim are replaced.

What affects the cost

Factor	Why it matters
Amount of sewage	A small overflow from one toilet is a smaller job than a backup across a basement.
Finished space	Carpet, pad and drywall must be removed and disposed of.
How long it sat	Longer exposure means more contamination and more removal.
Access	Crawl spaces and tight utility rooms take more labor.
Contents	Belongings that touched sewage may need disposal or specialized cleaning.

DIY or call a pro?

A small toilet overflow of clean bowl water onto tile can be cleaned with gloves and a disinfectant. Anything that came up through a floor drain, spread onto carpet or sat for hours should be handled by a professional with protective equipment. Health agencies recommend removing porous materials that sewage touched rather than trying to clean them.

Sewage backup? Stop using water and call now. We'll guide you through the first steps.

Call (303) 879-1370

Preventing the next backup

Have the sewer lateral camera-inspected if your home is older or has big trees nearby
Ask a plumber about a backwater valve on the main line
Keep grease, wipes and paper towels out of drains
Consider a water backup endorsement on your homeowners policy

Sewage backup questions

Is sewage backup dangerous?

Yes. Sewage is Category 3 water under the IICRC S500 standard, meaning it can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites. Avoid skin contact, keep children and pets away, and don't use household fans that can spread contaminants.

What should I do while I wait for help?

Stop running water in the house: no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher. Turn off power to the area if you can do it safely. Open windows if weather allows. Don't try to vacuum sewage with a household vacuum.

Can carpet be cleaned after a sewage backup?

No. Carpet and pad that contacted sewage should be removed and thrown away. Porous items such as upholstered furniture, mattresses and cardboard usually can't be made safe either.

Who is responsible for the sewer line?

In most cities, the property owner is responsible for the sewer service line from the house to the city main. If the main itself is blocked, the city or sanitation district handles it. A plumber's camera inspection shows where the problem is.

Does insurance cover sewage backup?

Standard homeowners policies often exclude sewer and drain backup. Many insurers offer a water backup endorsement for an added premium. Check your policy, and see our insurance claim guide.