The Dangers of "Black Water"

Attempting to clean up sewage yourself puts your health at severe risk. Hepatitis, E. coli, and Salmonella can live in sewage-contaminated porous materials for weeks. We provide sewage removal in basements and bathrooms using full hazmat protocols. We isolate the affected area to prevent airborne contamination and remove all porous materials (carpet, pad, drywall) that have touched the sewage, as they cannot be safely salvaged.

Sanitization & Odor Control

Once the physical sewage is removed, the real work begins. We pressure wash the structure with hot water and apply hospital-grade disinfectants. We treat the area to ensure that no bacteria remain. We also address the smell—sewage incidents leave a distinct, foul odor. Our air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators neutralize these odors at the molecular level, ensuring your home smells fresh and safe again.

Safe Disposal & Compliance

Handling raw sewage requires adherence to strict disposal laws. We ensure that all contaminated waste is bagged, sealed, and disposed of according to Des Moines, IA and federal environmental regulations. You don't have to worry about the mess; we handle the dirty work so you don't have to.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it safe to stay home during sewage cleanup? We generally recommend leaving the property, especially if you have children, elderly, or immunocompromised family members, until the sanitization phase is complete.
• Can you clean sewage off concrete? Yes. Concrete is non-porous (mostly). We scrub, pressure wash, and sanitize concrete floors. However, if the sewage sat for a long time, we may need to seal the concrete.
• What happens to my belongings? Soft goods (clothes, stuffed animals) touched by sewage usually must be discarded. Hard, non-porous items can often be professionally cleaned and sanitized.
• Will my insurance cover sewage backup? Most policies have a specific endorsement for "Water and Sewer Backup." We can help you review your policy limits and document the damage for the claim.
• Why is it called Category 3? Category 1 is clean water. Category 2 is grey water (dishwasher soap). Category 3 is black water (sewage/flood) that causes sickness or death if ingested.