Sewage Cleanup Cost – Prices & Tips

Depending on the severity and complexity of the damage, sewage cleanup services can cost anywhere from $2,000 – $10,000.Once you’ve decided you need to enlist the help of a professional for your sewage cleanup, it’s important to understand the costs involved in their services. Your insurance company may cover some of these costs, so make sure you notify them as soon as you become aware of the backup.

When one thinks of the worst type of destruction to happen to your home, their first thought will likely go toward a fire or natural disaster. A sewage backup is probably not high on anyone’s list, but sewage backup can cause much different devastation – one that can be very hazardous to your health if not dealt with quickly and efficiently by a professional. 

Sewage Cleanup cost – When Do I Need this service? 

After you’ve noticed a sewage backup in your home, the first step should be immediate evacuation. Sewage backups are a huge hazard to your health. As a result of inhaling the contaminated vapor, many immediate and long-term health issues can arise. 

We cover the costs at the beginning of this article.

Because sewage contains many harmful contaminants, and the longer sewage sits stagnant, the greater the chance for health issues or water damage to occur, it’s important to contact professional sewage cleanup services right away.

Here are 5 reasons you should contact a professional: 

1. The spill is caused by a direct line to a sewer or septic tank.
2. The spill has spread to more than one room of your home. 
3. You have young kids or vulnerable individuals that live in your home.
4. The spill has leaked into the air conditioning or HVAC systems in your home.
5. The water from the spill has been sitting stagnant for more than 24 hours.

DIY Tips for Sewage Cleanup 

Although your best option is always to call a professional, if you decide you want to move forward with the sewage cleanup yourself, here are 10 tips to get you started: 

1. Turn off all water and power supplies and open all the windows in your home to ensure proper ventilation.
2. Notify your insurance company to see what type of coverage you have for sewage cleanup services.
3. Wear proper PPE (rubber gloves and boots, masks, and goggles) at all times while in the contaminated room.
4. Remove any undamaged, and dry, items from the contaminated room.
5. Add drops of chlorine to the stagnant water to try to minimize the spread of harmful bacteria. 
6. Remove all stagnant sewage water with a pump or wet-dry vac, and use a shovel to remove any large pieces of debris like soil or dirt. 
7. Safely dispose of any saturated carpets, flooring, etc. 
8. Deep clean the affected areas, including walls, floors, and ceilings, with hot water and disinfectant. 
9. Thoroughly air-dry the affected area within 24-48 hours of the initial backup.
10. Use chlorine bleach to disinfect any clothing that may have come in contact with the contaminated room.

Sewage Cleanup Cost – More services

Specialists typically offer the following, included in the total cost of their services: 

• Water extraction  
• Mold removal
• Water damage cleanup 
• Sanitation 
• Water damage restoration 

The sewage cleanup services may require additional support. Depending on the cause of your backup, you may have to hire a septic specialist to empty ($250), repair ($150), or replace ($2000) the septic tank.

 If a clogged pipe was the culprit, a certified plumber may need to be called to clear the line ($300). 

If your home is on a city line, you should call your municipality, as the backup may have been caused by an issue that could affect the entire city. 

No matter the cost, it’s important to ensure your sewage backup is dealt with it properly for the health and safety of you and the members of your household.