Sewage & biohazard · Emergency service
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup in Athens, GA
Sewage backups, contaminated floodwater and other biohazards are Category 3 losses. They need protective equipment, removal of porous materials that were touched, cleaning and disinfection of everything else, and careful drying.
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup in Athens: local conditions
Partner coverage for sewage and biohazard cleanup in Athens currently includes 8 ZIP codes: 30601, 30602, 30603, 30605, 30606, 30607, 30608, 30609. If your ZIP is on this list, a call connects you with a company that serves it.
The North Oconee River and its tributaries run through Athens, and heavy rain can flood low-lying areas and nearby homes.
Older homes in historic neighborhoods have crawlspaces, plaster walls and aging plumbing. Many rentals change tenants every year, and both landlords and tenants need to know who covers what after a leak. Many rentals are older homes divided into apartments, where leaks can travel between units. Newer apartment complexes near campus also see frequent leaks from upstairs units.
Licensing in Georgia: Georgia requires residential and general contractors to be licensed by the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors for most jobs over $2,500. Check the license through the Georgia Secretary of State.
What you can expect
- One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code.
- Fast call-back during business hours
- Serving Athens, GA
- Photo and moisture documentation for insurance
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup at a glance
- Category
- Sewage & biohazard
- Emergency service
- Yes, call for fastest response
- Typical first step
- Protect people and contain the area
- Area
- Athens, GA
Other risks in Athens
Student rental leaks
Frequent turnover means slow leaks can go unnoticed, raising the risk of mold.
Humidity and crawlspace mold
Humid summers keep crawlspaces damp, causing mold and rot.
Severe storms
Thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes damage roofs and trees.
Freezes
Occasional hard freezes burst pipes in crawlspaces and exterior walls.
Signs you need sewage & biohazard cleanup
- Water or waste coming up through floor drains, toilets or tubs
- A strong sewage smell in a basement or bathroom
- Floodwater that entered the home from outside
How the work is done
Protect people and contain the area, then Remove contaminated water, then Remove porous materials, then Clean and disinfect, then Verify and rebuild. See the full sewage & biohazard cleanup process.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on the job, so restoration companies in Athens quote after an assessment. The main drivers are how much area is affected, how long it stayed wet, and what has to be removed or rebuilt. See the full list of sewage & biohazard cleanup cost factors.
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup questions
I rent in Athens and had a leak. What should I do?
Shut off the water if you can, report it to your landlord in writing right away, photograph your belongings, and contact your renter's insurer. The landlord arranges building repairs.
Do I need a permit for repairs in Athens?
Structural, plumbing and electrical repairs need permits from the Athens-Clarke County Building Permits and Inspections division.
Can I clean up a small sewage backup myself?
A small backup on a hard, non-porous floor sometimes can be with gloves, boots and disinfectant. Anything that reached carpet, drywall or other porous materials needs professional cleanup.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backups?
Usually only with a sewer or drain backup endorsement. Flooding from outside needs a flood policy.
Related pages
Other services in Athens
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup in nearby cities
More about water and storm damage in Athens, or see sewage & biohazard cleanup nationwide.
Related services
Sewage backup cleanup
Sewage cleanup treats the water as Category 3 (grossly contaminated): crews in protective gear remove it, discard porous materials it touched, clean and disinfect hard surfaces, and dry the structure.
Learn more
Biohazard cleanup
Biohazard cleanup removes and disposes of blood, bodily fluids and other potentially infectious material, then cleans and disinfects the area so it's safe to use.
Learn more
Flood damage cleanup
Flood cleanup treats outside floodwater as contaminated: it removes water and mud, cuts out wet drywall and insulation above the waterline, sanitizes, and dries the structure.
Learn moreWater, mold or fire damage? Get the right crew on it.
One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Fast call-back during business hours.