You flushed, and the shower drain in the basement started gurgling. Minutes later, raw sewage was coming up through the floor drain and both toilets. This is Category 3 blackwater, loaded with bacteria and viruses, and it is not something to mop up with household cleaners.
One free call connects you with an independent local specialist. Areas served include zip codes 78151.

We are a referral line, not a contractor. Calls are routed to independent local pros around Runge who handle biohazard sewage cleanup, not just clean-water leaks.
Expect Tyvek-style suits, respirators, and gloves. Contaminants stay in the work zone, not tracked through your home.
Plastic barriers seal off the affected area, and HEPA air scrubbers create negative pressure so contaminated air does not drift into clean rooms.
Each contractor carries independent licensing and insurance. Ask for proof before work begins, especially for biohazard work.
Pricing for each phase is written down and approved by you first.

Sewage cleanup follows a strict order: contain, remove, clean, disinfect, verify, then dry. Skipping a step can leave pathogens behind long after the smell is gone.

Sewage is pumped and vacuumed out with equipment reserved for contaminated water, then disposed of properly.
Carpet, pad, drywall, insulation, and particleboard that touched sewage cannot be reliably disinfected and are bagged and removed.
Concrete, framing, and tile are cleaned and disinfected with EPA-registered products at the correct dwell time.
Air scrubbers and odor treatments clear the smell so it does not return once the area dries.
Cleanliness is checked, sometimes with ATP swab testing, before drying gets the area ready for rebuild.
Call +1-877-637-9008, describe where sewage is coming up, and confirm everyone has stopped using water in the house.
A local contractor calls back with an arrival window and reminds you to keep everyone away from the contaminated area.
Containment goes up first, then the pro maps the contamination and provides a written quote.
Contaminated materials are removed, surfaces disinfected, odors treated, and the area dried. The contractor may recommend a plumber to clear or camera the main line.
Stop using water and keep everyone away. Help can be on the way now.
Our main line backed up into the basement. They sealed it off, suited up, removed everything contaminated, and the smell was completely gone.
Carmen E.Main line backup, basementThey explained why the carpet and bottom of the drywall had to go. Not what I wanted to hear, but it made sense once they mentioned what is in sewage.
Steve R.Toilet overflow into finished roomWith kids in the house, I wanted it contained. The plastic barrier and air scrubber kept it all downstairs.
Jenna P.Sewage backup, family homeThey recommended a plumber to camera the line afterward. Turned out to be tree roots. Glad we found it.
Omar H.Recurring sewer backup

Sewage is Category 3 water, the most contaminated class. It contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites and requires protective gear, removal of porous materials, and disinfection.
It depends on the size of the backup and where it is. Small contained areas may be fine with containment in place. Large backups, or households with infants, elderly, or immune-compromised people, often warrant staying elsewhere.
A very small hard-surface spill can be cleaned with gloves, boots, and a disinfectant. If sewage reached carpet, drywall, or a large area, professional cleanup is the safer choice.
Many standard policies exclude sewer backup unless you have a specific sewer or drain backup endorsement. Check your policy with your agent.
Common causes include tree roots in the main line, grease buildup, collapsed or bellied pipes, and municipal sewer overloads during heavy rain.
No. A Water Damage is a free referral service connecting you with independent, licensed and insured local contractors who do the work and bill you directly.

Calls from Runge and zip codes such as 78151 are routed to local biohazard-equipped pros.
Nearby cities are listed below.
