Professional Sewage Cleanup and Restoration in Calgary
Calgary Restorations provides professional sewage cleanup for homes, businesses, rental properties, multifamily buildings, and commercial properties throughout Calgary.
Sewage backups can introduce contaminated water into basements, bathrooms, mechanical rooms, living areas, and commercial spaces.
Affected materials may require specialized cleaning, removal, drying, and restoration depending on the source and extent of the damage.
Sewage Cleanup Services
Sewage damage requires a different restoration approach than many ordinary water losses.
Contaminated water can spread across flooring, enter walls, affect porous building materials, and reach areas beyond the immediately visible damage.
Professional sewage cleanup may include:
- Damage assessment.
- Contaminated water removal.
- Removal of affected materials.
- Cleaning and sanitizing.
- Moisture detection.
- Structural drying.
- Dehumidification.
- Odour treatment.
- Property restoration.
- Reconstruction where required.
The appropriate cleanup process depends on the source of the sewage, extent of contamination, materials affected, and overall condition of the property.
Emergency Sewage Cleanup
Sewage backups should be addressed promptly.
As contaminated water spreads, additional flooring, drywall, insulation, furnishings, and other materials may become affected.
Emergency sewage restoration may involve:
- Assessing affected areas.
- Identifying the apparent source.
- Isolating affected areas where appropriate.
- Removing contaminated water.
- Removing materials that cannot reasonably be restored.
- Cleaning and sanitizing.
- Drying remaining building materials.
- Preparing the property for restoration.
Avoid unnecessary contact with contaminated water while waiting for professional assistance.
Sewer Backup Cleanup
A sewer backup can cause contaminated water to enter a property through floor drains, plumbing fixtures, toilets, or other drainage connections.
Sewer backups may affect:
- Basements.
- Bathrooms.
- Laundry rooms.
- Mechanical rooms.
- Commercial spaces.
- Storage areas.
- Lower levels of buildings.
The source of the backup should be addressed by the appropriate plumbing or drainage professional.
Once the underlying problem is being managed, restoration work can focus on contamination, moisture, damaged materials, and cleanup.
Basement Sewage Cleanup
Basements are commonly affected by sewer backups because many plumbing and drainage connections are located below grade.
A basement sewage backup may damage:
- Flooring.
- Carpet.
- Drywall.
- Baseboards.
- Insulation.
- Furnishings.
- Stored belongings.
- Mechanical areas.
Contaminated water can also travel beneath flooring or into wall assemblies.
Professional assessment helps determine how far the damage has spread and which materials can be cleaned or require removal.
Sewage Water Removal
Standing sewage-contaminated water should be handled differently from an ordinary clean-water spill.
Professional removal may involve specialized equipment and procedures designed for contaminated environments.
Removing visible water is only part of the process.
Moisture and contamination may remain in:
- Flooring.
- Subfloors.
- Drywall.
- Insulation.
- Wall cavities.
- Wood framing.
- Other porous materials.
These areas should be considered during the cleanup assessment.
Removal of Contaminated Materials
Some porous building materials may not be suitable for restoration after significant sewage contamination.
Depending on the loss, materials requiring removal may include:
- Carpet.
- Carpet underlay.
- Drywall.
- Insulation.
- Baseboards.
- Certain flooring materials.
- Other porous finishes.
Whether a material can be retained depends on factors such as the type of material, degree of contamination, duration of exposure, and ability to clean and dry it appropriately.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Once contaminated water and materials have been removed, remaining affected surfaces may require professional cleaning and sanitizing.
The process should address the actual contaminated areas rather than simply making the property appear visually clean.
Depending on the situation, restoration may include:
- Surface cleaning.
- Appropriate sanitizing procedures.
- Removal of remaining debris.
- Cleaning of salvageable materials.
- Structural drying.
- Odour treatment.
The exact approach depends on the conditions found at the property.
Structural Drying After a Sewage Backup
Sewage damage is both a contamination problem and a moisture problem.
Once contaminated materials have been appropriately addressed, remaining structural materials may still require drying.
Structural drying can involve:
- Moisture assessment.
- Air movement.
- Dehumidification.
- Moisture monitoring.
- Removal of materials that cannot be adequately restored.
Drying helps prepare the affected area for repair and reconstruction.
Sewage Odour Removal
Persistent odours can remain when contaminated materials, moisture, or residue have not been completely addressed.
Effective odour treatment begins with removing the source of contamination.
This may require:
- Removing contaminated materials.
- Thorough cleaning.
- Drying affected areas.
- Treating appropriate surfaces.
- Addressing concealed contamination.
Simply masking an odour does not address the underlying sewage damage.
Sewage Damage and Mold
Sewage backups introduce substantial moisture into a property.
If affected areas remain wet, conditions may develop that support mold growth.
Potential problem areas include:
- Behind drywall.
- Beneath flooring.
- Inside wall cavities.
- Around insulation.
- Basements.
- Concealed structural materials.
Proper material removal, moisture detection, and structural drying are therefore important parts of sewage restoration.
If mold is already present, additional remediation may be required.
Sewage Damage and Flooding
A significant sewage backup can create widespread flooding throughout a basement or lower level.
However, the presence of sewage changes the appropriate cleanup process.
Water damage involving contamination generally requires additional precautions compared with a cleaner water loss.
If the property has experienced broader flooding, the extent of water movement throughout the structure should also be assessed.
Residential Sewage Cleanup
Sewage cleanup services are available for residential properties throughout Calgary.
Properties may include:
- Detached homes.
- Townhouses.
- Condominiums.
- Rental properties.
- Basement suites.
- Multifamily buildings.
Residential sewage losses can range from localized bathroom backups to significant basement contamination.
The restoration plan should reflect the source, affected materials, and extent of contamination.
Commercial Sewage Cleanup
A sewage backup in a commercial property can create significant disruption and may make affected areas unsuitable for normal use until they have been properly cleaned.
Commercial sewage restoration may be required for:
- Offices.
- Retail properties.
- Restaurants.
- Warehouses.
- Apartment buildings.
- Multifamily properties.
- Commercial facilities.
- Professionally managed properties.
Larger properties may require additional containment, equipment, coordination, documentation, and restoration planning.
Our Sewage Cleanup Process
Every sewage loss is different, but professional cleanup generally follows a structured process.
1. Request Service
Provide information about what happened, the property location, areas affected, and whether sewage is still entering the building.
2. Assess the Damage
The apparent source, extent of contamination, water movement, and affected materials are evaluated.
3. Address the Source
The plumbing or drainage problem causing the backup should be addressed by the appropriate qualified professional.
4. Remove Contaminated Water
Standing contaminated water is removed where required.
5. Remove Unsalvageable Materials
Affected materials that cannot reasonably be cleaned and restored may need to be removed.
6. Clean and Sanitize
Remaining affected surfaces are cleaned and treated using procedures appropriate to the conditions.
7. Assess Remaining Moisture
Building materials are checked for moisture that may have travelled beyond the visibly affected area.
8. Dry the Structure
Remaining materials are dried using appropriate air movement, dehumidification, and moisture monitoring.
9. Address Odours
Sources of persistent sewage odours are identified and treated as part of the cleanup process.
10. Restore the Property
Once cleanup and drying are complete, damaged areas can be repaired or reconstructed.
What to Do After a Sewage Backup
Personal safety should be the first priority when sewage enters a property.
Avoid the Affected Area
Keep children, pets, and unnecessary occupants away from sewage-contaminated areas.
Avoid Direct Contact
Do not unnecessarily touch or walk through contaminated water or materials.
Be Aware of Electrical Hazards
Do not enter standing water when electrical outlets, appliances, wiring, equipment, or other electrical hazards may be present.
Do Not Mix Cleaning Chemicals
Avoid attempting to treat a major sewage loss by mixing household cleaning products. Some chemical combinations can create hazardous fumes.
Address the Plumbing Problem
The underlying sewer, drain, or plumbing issue should be assessed by the appropriate professional.
Document Damage When Safe
Photographs of visible damage can be useful for property and insurance records when they can be taken safely.
Request Professional Cleanup
Professional assessment can help determine the extent of contamination and the appropriate removal, cleaning, drying, and restoration procedures.
Sewage Cleanup and Insurance Claims
Sewage backup coverage can vary between insurance policies.
Some policies may include specific sewer backup coverage or endorsements, while others may contain limitations or exclusions.
When it is safe to do so, property owners may want to document:
- When the backup occurred.
- Areas affected.
- Apparent source.
- Damaged building materials.
- Damaged belongings.
- Emergency work performed.
- Cleanup and restoration work.
Keep relevant photographs, receipts, invoices, and correspondence.
Insurance coverage and claim decisions depend on the individual policy and circumstances of the loss.
Calgary Restorations does not determine or guarantee insurance coverage.
Sewage Cleanup Service Areas
Our primary sewage cleanup service area is Calgary.
Depending on contractor availability and project requirements, services may also be available in:
- Airdrie.
- Cochrane.
- Chestermere.
- Okotoks.
- Rocky View County.
- Foothills County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sewage water dangerous?
Sewage-contaminated water can contain microorganisms and other contaminants. Unnecessary contact with affected water and materials should be avoided.
Should I clean up a sewage backup myself?
Small plumbing incidents and significant sewage contamination are very different situations. Widespread sewage damage may require professional removal, cleaning, sanitizing, drying, and material disposal.
Does sewage-damaged drywall need to be removed?
It depends on the extent and nature of contamination, the materials affected, and the conditions at the property. Porous materials significantly contaminated by sewage may require removal.
Can carpet be saved after a sewage backup?
The appropriate decision depends on the type and extent of contamination. Materials that cannot be adequately cleaned and restored may require removal.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
There is no single timeframe. The duration depends on the size of the affected area, amount of contaminated water, materials involved, drying requirements, and repairs needed.
Can a sewage backup cause mold?
A sewage backup introduces substantial moisture. If affected areas remain damp, conditions may develop that support mold growth.
Do you provide commercial sewage cleanup?
Yes. Sewage cleanup may be available for offices, retail properties, multifamily buildings, rental properties, commercial facilities, and professionally managed properties.
Is sewer backup damage covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by policy. Some policies may require specific sewer backup coverage or endorsements. Contact your insurer for information about your individual coverage.
Request Sewage Cleanup in Calgary
If your home, rental property, business, or commercial building has been affected by a sewage backup, contact Calgary Restorations.
Tell us where the property is located, which areas are affected, what caused the backup if known, and whether contaminated water is still entering the building.
Avoid unnecessary contact with sewage-contaminated areas and address electrical, structural, or other immediate safety hazards before entering the affected space.