Sewage is a health hazard, not just a mess. It contains bacteria and pathogens that can make people sick, and it soaks into anything porous. We contain the area, remove the contaminated water and materials, and clean and disinfect so the space is safe to use again.
Under industry standards (IICRC S500) sewage is Category 3, or "black" water, which is grossly contaminated. It is the most hazardous water category. Anything porous it touches, such as carpet, pad, drywall, insulation and cardboard, generally cannot be cleaned to a safe standard and is removed.
Cleanup uses protective equipment, containment, and disinfectants matched to the surfaces involved. This is not a job for household cleaners, and it is why we ask you to stay out.
| Cause | How to tell | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Clog in your private lateral line | Only your house is affected; nearby drains work | Your plumber, with our cleanup after |
| Tree roots in the line | Repeated slow drains, backups after heavy use | Plumber; camera inspection often needed |
| Municipal sewer overload or blockage | Neighbors also affected, often after heavy rain | Your sewer authority or municipality; also affects insurance |
| Flooding pushing water up drains | Water entered from several places at once during a storm | See flood restoration |
Older parts of the Harrisburg area have older sewer infrastructure, and heavy storms can overload it. That is one reason basements and low-lying floor drains are common backup points.
Many standard homeowners policies exclude sewer and drain backup unless you have added an endorsement. It is worth checking your policy now, before a loss. If you have that coverage, we will document the contamination, the materials removed and the cleanup steps for your claim.
Our claims guide explains what to photograph and keep.
Sewage work costs more because of containment, protective equipment, removal of porous materials and disinfection.
| Line item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sewage extraction and containment setup | $700 – $2,500 | Protective barriers and controlled entry |
| Removal of carpet, pad, drywall and contaminated contents | $2 – $5 per sq ft | Porous materials generally cannot be cleaned |
| Cleaning and disinfection | $1.50 – $4 per sq ft | Framing, concrete and hard surfaces |
| Odor control and air filtration | $200 – $600 | Air scrubbers during and after cleanup |
| Structural drying | $800 – $2,500 | Prevents mold after cleanup |
| Sewer line clearing or repair (by a plumber) | $150 – $600 clearing; more for repair | Separate from restoration |
Sewage cleanup costs more than clean-water jobs because of containment, protective equipment, material removal and disinfection.
What moves the price:We strongly advise against it. Even a small amount carries pathogens and soaks into porous materials. Professional cleanup protects your health and prevents lingering odor.
Yes, once the contaminated materials are removed and surfaces are cleaned and dried. The smell comes from the materials, so masking it with fragrances does not fix it.
It depends on where the blockage is. A problem in your private line is yours; a problem in the street sewer is the authority's. A plumber's camera inspection or a call to your municipality can tell you.
If only a small isolated area is affected and it is sealed off, some families can. If sewage spread widely or there are vulnerable people in the home, staying elsewhere is safer.
Hard, non-porous items can often be cleaned. Porous items like upholstered furniture, rugs, cardboard and paper generally cannot, and we will explain each category.
This is one of our eight water services. For the full picture, see our water damage restoration in Harrisburg, PA overview, including typical costs and every service we offer.
River, creek and storm flooding cleanup for homes near the Susquehanna and Paxton Creek.
Pump-out, drying and moisture checks in the stone and block basements common here.
Standing water out fast, then controlled drying to a measured target.
