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.
One free call connects you with an independent local specialist. Areas served include zip codes 53706 53704 53705 53703 53714 53726 53792 53719 53718 53715 53717 53716 53711 53713 53701 53702 53707 53708 53725 53774 53777 53782 53783 53784 53785 53786 53788 53790 53793 53794.

We are a referral line, not a contractor. Calls are routed to independent local pros around Madison who handle biohazard sewage cleanup, not just clean-water leaks.
Crews wear disposable coveralls, nitrile gloves, rubber boots, eye protection, and respirators so pathogens do not leave the work area on their clothes.
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.
You get a written estimate that covers removal, disinfection, and drying before work starts.

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.
Hard surfaces are scrubbed, then treated with EPA-registered disinfectants left on for the full contact time listed on the label.
After disinfection, HEPA air scrubbers and odor control treatments remove lingering sewage odor from the air and structure.
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.
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.
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 roomI have little kids, so I was worried. They set up an air scrubber and plastic walls so nothing spread upstairs.
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.
Small, contained jobs may be fine. For large backups or vulnerable family members, staying elsewhere is often safer.
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.
Tree roots, grease clogs, damaged pipes, and city sewer overloads are the usual culprits.
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 Madison, WI and nearby zip codes like 53706 53704 53705 53703 53714 53726 53792 53719 53718 53715 53717 53716 53711 53713 53701 53702 53707 53708 53725 53774 53777 53782 53783 53784 53785 53786 53788 53790 53793 53794.
Nearby cities are listed below.
