A sewage backup is one of the most hazardous emergencies a property owner can face, exposing occupants to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites within hours of a backed-up line or overflowing fixture. A.S.A.P. Restoration & Remodeling responds 24/7/365 with IICRC-certified technicians equipped with full personal protective gear to safely extract, clean, and sanitize affected areas throughout Los Angeles County.
Sewage, classified as Category 3 black water, requires specialized handling that goes far beyond standard water extraction. Our 35+ trained field technicians follow strict IICRC protocols to remove contaminated water and materials, disinfect every affected surface, and verify that the space is safe before any rebuild work begins. We treat every sewage loss as the biohazard it is, protecting both your property and the health of everyone inside it.
With over 20 years of experience and 7,500+ completed jobs, A.S.A.P. is equipped to handle sewage backups in residential properties, commercial buildings, and multi-unit complexes alike. We own our trucks and equipment, never subcontract, and provide a dedicated project manager who oversees the job from the first contaminated-water extraction through the reconstruction that restores your property.
What we do, step by step
- 1
Evaluate
We assess the source and extent of the sewage backup, identify all contaminated materials, and document the damage for your insurance claim.
- 2
Contain and extract
Technicians in full protective equipment extract sewage and contaminated water using specialized equipment designed for black water removal.
- 3
Remove contaminated materials
Porous materials that have absorbed sewage, such as carpet, padding, and some drywall, are safely removed and disposed of according to health and safety standards.
- 4
Clean and disinfect
All affected surfaces are cleaned and treated with hospital-grade disinfectants to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and odor-causing contaminants.
- 5
Dry the structure
Industrial drying equipment is deployed with moisture and humidity readings tracked daily until the area reaches a verified dry standard.
- 6
Verify and rebuild
Once the area is confirmed clean and dry, our in-house reconstruction team replaces removed materials and restores the space to pre-loss condition.
Warning signs
- Sewage or wastewater backing up through drains, toilets, or floor drains
- A strong, persistent sewage odor in the home or business
- Slow-draining or gurgling plumbing fixtures before a backup occurs
- Standing water with visible waste or debris
- Staining around floor drains or at the base of toilets
- Multiple fixtures backing up at the same time, a sign of a main line issue
- Unexplained illness or respiratory irritation among occupants
Why Sewage Backups Require Specialized Cleanup
Sewage backups fall into IICRC Category 3, grossly contaminated black water that can carry bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens capable of causing serious illness. Unlike clean or grey water losses, sewage contamination means porous materials that absorb the water, such as carpet, carpet padding, and in many cases drywall, typically cannot be saved and must be removed and disposed of properly rather than dried in place.
Our technicians wear full personal protective equipment, including respirators and protective suits, and follow IICRC S500 standards for contaminated water remediation. We use hospital-grade antimicrobial treatments on all surfaces that remain, and we do not consider a sewage job complete until the space has been verified clean, not just visibly dry.
Common Causes of Sewage Backups
Sewage backups in Los Angeles County properties typically stem from a handful of common causes.
Clogged or collapsed sewer lines
Tree root intrusion, aging pipes, or blockages can cause sewage to back up into the lowest drains in a property.
Municipal sewer system overload
Heavy rain or system failures can overwhelm municipal lines, forcing sewage back into connected properties.
Septic system failure
Overloaded or failing septic systems can back up into the home through drains and toilets.
Plumbing blockages
Grease, debris, or foreign objects lodged in interior plumbing can cause localized backups that still introduce contaminated water into living spaces.
Protecting Your Health During Cleanup
Occupants should avoid contact with sewage-contaminated areas and keep children and pets away until our technicians have completed extraction, disinfection, and air quality verification. We seal off affected areas during cleanup to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected parts of the property, and we clearly communicate when it is safe to re-enter each space.
Insurance & your claim
A.S.A.P. Restoration & Remodeling has worked with every major insurance carrier on sewage backup claims and prepares detailed Xactimate estimates that document contaminated materials, labor, and disposal costs. We can bill your insurance company directly so you are not paying out of pocket while your claim is processed.
You have the right to choose your own contractor for sewage cleanup. Your dedicated project manager will coordinate directly with your insurance adjuster, explain what materials must be removed and why, and keep you informed throughout the cleanup and rebuild process.
We also rebuild
Sewage backups almost always require removing and replacing some building materials. Once the area is cleaned, disinfected, and dried, our in-house reconstruction team installs new flooring, drywall, and finishes, so your property is fully restored and sanitary under one contract.
Reconstruction & remodeling →
