24/7 Emergency Services
Sewer Backup in the Basement: Cleanup and Disinfection
Keep everyone out of the area and stop running water. We handle the cleanup.
A person answers 24/7.
What you can expect from us
- A real person answers the phone 24 hours a day, and we can often be on site within a few hours.
- We work with every insurance company and document the damage for your claim.
- Ajaxx is an IICRC Certified Firm, which means our technicians are trained to the industry's cleaning and restoration standards.
Sewage in a basement can make people sick. Stop using water in the house so more does not come up. Keep kids and pets out. Do not try to hose it down. We pull out the water, remove what it soaked, disinfect, and dry the space. Call any hour. We answer 24/7.
What to do right now
- Stop flushing, showering and running the washer or dishwasher.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Do not touch sewage without gloves and boots.
- Stay out if water is near outlets or the electrical panel.
Is it safe to go back in?
- Gas or fire: if you smell gas or see fire or smoke, get everyone out and call 911.
- Electricity: do not step into standing water that may touch outlets, cords or appliances. Turn power off at the breaker only if you can reach it from a dry spot; otherwise call your utility or an electrician.
- Standing water: floodwater and sewage can carry bacteria. Avoid skin contact and keep children and pets away.
- Sagging ceilings: stay out of any room where the ceiling is bulging or sagging. Wet drywall and plaster can fall without warning.
- Mold: do not scrub or disturb visible mold. Keep anyone with asthma, allergies or a weak immune system away from the area.
Why is sewage different from other water?
Clean water from a supply line can often be dried in place. Sewage cannot. It carries bacteria and viruses. Carpet, pad, drywall and insulation it touched usually have to be removed and thrown out.
Why do sewers back up into basements?
- Heavy rain. In older neighborhoods, a big storm can push water back up through the floor drain.
- A blocked sewer line. Tree roots, grease and wipes clog the line from the house to the street.
- A failed ejector pump in a basement bathroom.
- Septic problems in rural homes.
What we do
- Pump and extract the sewage water.
- Remove what is contaminated. Soaked carpet, pad, drywall and insulation are bagged and removed.
- Clean and disinfect floors, walls and everything that stays.
- Dry the structure and check it with moisture meters.
- Document the cause and the work for your insurance.
The photo below shows a crawl space with water around an old cast-iron drain line. Cracked or rusted drain pipe like this is a common source of backups and leaks.
After the cleanup
Have a plumber camera the sewer line. Ask about a backwater valve if your floor drain backs up during storms. Ask your insurance agent if your policy includes sewer and drain backup coverage. In Michigan it is often added separately.
We handle your project from start to finish.
Why do people call Ajaxx?
A real person answers the phone 24 hours a day, and we can often be on site within a few hours. Ajaxx is an IICRC Certified Firm, which means our technicians are trained to the industry’s cleaning and restoration standards. Our team is licensed and certified, and we work with every insurance company and document the damage for your claim. We handle your project from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sewer backup dangerous?
Yes. Sewage carries bacteria and viruses. Avoid contact, keep children and pets away, and wash well if you touch it.
Can carpet be saved after a sewage backup?
Usually not. Carpet and pad soaked with sewage are thrown out. Hard floors can be cleaned and disinfected.
Who fixes the sewer line?
A plumber fixes the line. We clean up the damage. It helps to call both.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup?
Often only if you added sewer and drain backup coverage. Check your policy or ask your agent.
Related Services & Help
What happens when you call?
- Call or text
A person picks up any hour. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you what to do until we arrive. - We look first
We can often be on site within a few hours. We check for hidden water or soot and walk you through the plan. - We stop it from spreading
We pull out water, cover openings or seal off the area on the first visit. - We clean up and keep records
We clean what can be saved. You get photos, notes and moisture readings to send your insurance company.