Sewage & biohazard · Emergency service
Sewage backup cleanup in Cleveland, OH
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. Don't try to clean sewage with household products and a mop.
Sewage backup cleanup in Cleveland: local conditions
Partner coverage for sewage and biohazard cleanup in Cleveland currently includes 32 ZIP codes: 44101, 44102, 44103, 44104, 44105, 44106, 44109, 44111, 44113, 44114, 44115, 44118, 44120, 44125, 44126, 44127, 44128, 44129, 44130, 44134, 44135, 44144, 44181, 44190, 44191, 44192, 44193, 44194, 44195, 44197, 44198, 44199. If your ZIP is on this list, a call connects you with a company that serves it.
Combined sewers back up in heavy rain, and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District's Project Clean Lake is building tunnels to reduce overflows.
Cleveland is known for its 'Cleveland doubles', two-family homes with one unit stacked above the other, plus older single-family homes in Ohio City, Tremont and Detroit-Shoreway. Nearly all have basements, often with original clay sewer laterals. Older homes often have aging plumbing and limited insulation.
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 Cleveland, OH
- Photo and moisture documentation for insurance
Sewage backup cleanup at a glance
- Category
- Sewage & biohazard
- Emergency service
- Yes, call for fastest response
- Typical first step
- Protect
- Area
- Cleveland, OH
Other risks in Cleveland
Lake-effect snow and ice dams
Heavy snow on the east side creates ice dams on older roofs.
Frozen pipes
Cold winters freeze pipes in older homes and exterior walls.
Two-family leaks
In Cleveland doubles, a leak in the upper unit often damages the unit and basement below.
Older roofs on doubles
Many Cleveland doubles have older roofs and limited attic insulation, so freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow lead to leaks in the upper unit.
Signs you need sewage backup cleanup
- Water coming up from floor drains, tubs or toilets
- Gurgling drains
- Sewage odor in the house
How the work is done
Protect, then Remove, then Disinfect, then Dry. See the full sewage backup cleanup process.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on the job, so restoration companies in Cleveland 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 backup cleanup cost factors.
Sewage backup cleanup questions
Is sewer backup covered by insurance in Cleveland?
Usually only with a sewer or water backup endorsement on your homeowners policy.
Do I need a permit for repairs in Cleveland?
Structural, plumbing and electrical repairs need permits from the City of Cleveland Department of Building and Housing.
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage backup?
Often only with a water or sewer backup endorsement, which most insurers offer as an add-on. Check your declarations page.
Is sewage cleanup dangerous?
Yes. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses and parasites. Professional crews use protective equipment and disinfectants for this reason.
Related pages
Other services in Cleveland
Sewage backup cleanup in nearby cities
More about water and storm damage in Cleveland, or see sewage backup cleanup nationwide.
Related services
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 moreEmergency water extraction
Water extraction is the first step of any water loss: removing standing and absorbed water with powerful pumps and extractors before drying starts.
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.