Sewage that comes up through a floor drain, tub or toilet carries bacteria, so it is treated as Category 3 from the start. People and pets stay out, and the crew sets up containment before removing anything. Porous material the water touched is usually discarded rather than cleaned.
Who owns which pipe
In the borough, the owner is responsible for the sewer pipe from the house to the main in the street, and the borough is responsible for the main. If the source is unclear, the Sewer Department says to call it first, and staff will check the main and tell the owner if the lateral needs a certified plumber.
Checks before the cleanup
- Look at the vent on the sewer pipe with a flashlight and plunge it if blocked
- Flush a toilet and watch whether the water moves
- Call the Sewer Department first if the vent fills with water
- Keep everyone out of the wet area and run no more water
Cleanup before rebuild
Removal comes first, then cleaning, then drying. Skipping the antimicrobial step or closing walls early leaves odor and bacteria behind. A lower level that took in sewage is also handled under basement flooding cleanup.
Storm flooding can overload drains and bring sewage into a house; storm and creek flood cleanup follows the same Category 3 protocol.