Sewage Backup Cleanup in Rochester, MI

In Rochester and Rochester Hills, most sewage backups come up through the lowest drain in the house, usually the basement floor drain, when heavy rain overloads the sewer or a lateral line clogs with roots or grease. The water is black water from the first minute, and it spreads into carpet, drywall and anything stored on the floor.

Why sewage is handled differently

• It carries bacteria and viruses, so the area is contained before cleanup starts
• Porous materials it touched, such as carpet, pad, drywall, insulation and cardboard, are bagged and removed
• Hard surfaces are cleaned, then treated with an EPA-registered antimicrobial at its labeled dwell time
• HEPA air scrubbers run while the work goes on

How the cleanup works

The mitigation team seals the area with plastic containment and sets negative air with HEPA air scrubbers. Technicians in respirators, gloves and coveralls extract the waste, then remove porous materials to at least 12 inches above the highest wet line. Floors, framing and the slab are scrubbed and treated. Once the space is clean, the drying team runs air movers and LGR dehumidifiers and logs readings until the framing reaches the drying goal.

A plumber clears or repairs the line so the backup does not return during drying. Where the cause was storm surcharge, a backflow valve on the floor drain is the usual fix.

Keep people out until it is cleaned

Keep children, pets and anyone with a weak immune system away from the area, and do not run the HVAC if the furnace sits in the wet room. The EPA page on sanitary sewer overflows explains why backups happen in storms, and the OSHA flood cleanup page covers protective gear. Flooded basements from rising water are covered on the basement flooding page.