Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

Sewer backups and toilet overflows can wreak havoc in your home and SERVPRO is Here to Help!

Most homeowners don't realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house and sewer pipe(lateral)that is, the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main (which is usually located in the street) and the building.


What causes sewer backups?

  • Aging sewer systems. The American Society of Civil Engineers indicates that
    the nation's 500,000-plus miles of sewer lines are on average over thirty years
    old. The increase in the number of homes connected to already aging sewage
    systems has also contributed to rapid increases in sanitary sewer backups,
    flooded basements and overflows.

  • Combined pipelines. Problems arise in systems that combine storm water and raw
    sewage into the same pipeline. During many rain storms, the systems are exposed
    to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup
    situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying
    drains.
  • Tree roots. Seeking moisture, small roots of trees and shrubs make their way
    into sewer line cracks and service pipe joints, they can cause extensive damage
    or blockages as they grow larger. The cost of the clean-up will fall to the
    problem tree's owner. 

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (603) 298-6942

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Lebanon / Hanover / Littleton will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

  • Water from a clean source like a broken water line
  • If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

  • May contain bacteria and viruses
  • Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.