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 35404 35453.

Sewage is a health hazard first and a water problem second. A Water Damage is a free referral service that connects you with independent, licensed and insured contractors near Cottondale who are equipped for Category 3 blackwater, including protective gear, containment, and hospital-grade disinfectants.
Crews wear disposable coveralls, nitrile gloves, rubber boots, eye protection, and respirators so pathogens do not leave the work area on their clothes.
Containment walls and HEPA filtration keep sewage odors and particles from spreading through the house.
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.
Anything porous that absorbed sewage, like carpet, drywall, and insulation, is removed and bagged.
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.
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.
You will get an arrival time and safety reminders while the crew is on the way.
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

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.
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.

Independent sewage cleanup contractors in the network serve Cottondale, AL and nearby zip codes like 35404 35453.
See nearby cities in the list below.
