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.
Free referral to independent, licensed and insured local pros. Zip codes served include 98004 98005 98006 98007 98008 98009 98015.

We are a referral line, not a contractor. Calls are routed to independent local pros around Bellevue 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.
Confirm license and insurance on arrival. Biohazard jobs should only go to properly insured pros.
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.
Hard surfaces are scrubbed, then treated with EPA-registered disinfectants left on for the full contact time listed on the label.
Air scrubbers and odor treatments clear the smell so it does not return once the area dries.
Some contractors use ATP surface testing to confirm cleaning worked. Then drying equipment runs until materials read dry.
Tell dispatch which drains are backing up and how far the sewage spread.
A local contractor calls back with an arrival window and reminds you to keep everyone away from the contaminated area.
The pro sets up containment, assesses how far contamination reached, and gives you a written estimate before removal begins.
Sewage and damaged materials come out, everything is sanitized and dried, and you will be pointed to a plumber if the line needs work.
Stop using water and keep everyone away. Help can be on the way now.
Main line backed up into the basement shower and floor drain. The crew showed up in full suits, sealed off the basement, and cleaned it like a hospital. No smell after they left.
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 homeAfter cleanup, they suggested a camera inspection. Tree roots in the main line, now fixed.
Omar H.Recurring sewer backup

It is Category 3, meaning grossly contaminated. That category triggers full biohazard protocols.
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.
Tiny spills on tile may be manageable with protection. Anything soaked into carpet or walls should be handled by a pro.
Often only with a sewer backup add-on. Your agent can tell you what your policy includes.
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.

Independent sewage cleanup contractors in the network serve Bellevue, WA and nearby zip codes like 98004 98005 98006 98007 98008 98009 98015.
See nearby cities in the list below.
