Sewage & biohazard · Emergency service
Sewage backup cleanup in Ohio
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 Ohio: local conditions
Partner coverage for sewage and biohazard cleanup in Ohio includes 581 ZIP codes, with local pages for Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Springfield. Call with your ZIP to confirm a company serves your address.
Older combined sewers and aging laterals back up into basements during heavy rain.
In Columbus: Heavy rain overwhelms older sewers and backs water into basements. In Cleveland: Combined sewers back up in heavy rain, and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District's Project Clean Lake is building tunnels to reduce overflows. In Cincinnati: Combined sewers in older neighborhoods back up during heavy rain. In Toledo: Flat terrain and older sewers mean heavy rain backs water into basements.
Early-1900s homes are common in the cities, with mid-century suburbs and newer subdivisions around Columbus. Many older homes have clay or cast-iron sewer laterals and original drain tile that clog or collapse.
Ohio doesn't license residential general contractors statewide. Cities and counties license them locally. The state licenses commercial HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractors.
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 Ohio
- 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
- Ohio
Other risks in Ohio
River flooding
The Ohio, Muskingum, Great Miami and other rivers flood communities in their valleys.
Frozen pipes
Cold snaps freeze pipes, especially in older homes.
Severe storms and tornadoes
Spring and summer thunderstorms bring damaging winds, hail and occasional tornadoes that damage roofs and siding, letting rain into homes.
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 Ohio 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 in Ohio?
Usually only with a sewer or water backup endorsement on your policy.
Do Ohio residential contractors need a license?
Licensing for residential contractors is local. Check with your city or county building department.
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.
Cities in Ohio
Other services in Ohio
Related pages
More about water and storm damage in Ohio, 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.