Sewage Backup in Your Home — Do Not Touch It
Sewage is a Category 3 biohazard containing E. coli, hepatitis A, and norovirus. Improper cleanup creates serious health risks. Green Clean responds 24/7 with full PPE and IICRC-certified Category 3 remediation equipment.
Sewage backup in your home? Stay out of the area and call immediately: (410) 961-6770 — 24/7.
Category 3 Biohazard
Why Sewage Backup Is Different From Water Damage
Under IICRC S500 standards, sewage is classified as Category 3 “black water” — the highest contamination level. It contains bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella, viruses including hepatitis A and norovirus, and parasites including Giardia. Contact with skin, especially through cuts or mucous membranes, can cause serious illness.
Every porous material that sewage contacts — carpet, carpet pad, drywall, wood framing, insulation — must be removed entirely. There is no drying or cleaning protocol that makes contaminated porous materials safe. Standard water damage restoration techniques are not appropriate for sewage events.
The longer sewage sits, the further contamination spreads — wicking up drywall, absorbing into concrete, and becoming embedded in flooring adhesives. This is one situation where calling us immediately rather than attempting any cleanup yourself is both the safest and most cost-effective decision.
Full PPE Response
Our crews arrive with Category 3 personal protective equipment, EPA-registered disinfectants, and certified extraction and decontamination protocols for sewage remediation.
Immediate Steps
What To Do Right Now
Do not attempt cleanup. These steps protect your family while you wait for professional response.
Keep Everyone Out of the Affected Area
Keep all family members and pets completely clear of any area with sewage contamination. Do not allow children or anyone with compromised immunity anywhere near the space.
Turn Off Your HVAC System Immediately
Your HVAC system distributes contaminated aerosols from sewage events through every vent in the house. Turning it off prevents contamination from spreading to unaffected rooms and floors.
Do Not Attempt Any Cleanup
Improper handling of Category 3 materials creates health liability and can spread contamination further. Disinfectants applied without proper extraction make remediation harder, not easier. Leave it for the professionals.
Call a Plumber to Address the Blockage
Simultaneously with calling us, contact a plumber to diagnose and clear the blockage causing the backup. Remediation cannot begin until the source is resolved — starting both calls at once saves hours.
Call Green Clean at (410) 961-6770
We respond 24/7 with certified Category 3 crews. Every hour sewage sits increases the scope of contaminated material that must be removed. Fast response is the single biggest cost-saving factor in sewage events.
FAQ
Sewage Backup Questions — Answered
Ready When You Need Us
Sewage Backup? Call Us Immediately.
Category 3 response, 30-minute dispatch, 24/7 — anywhere in Baltimore and surrounding counties.
(410) 961-6770Or Fill Out This Form
We'll call you back within the hour.