Absolute Water Damage and Mitigation — Colorado Springs

Sewage Backup Cleanup Colorado Springs

Category 3 · Sewage Cleanup

Sewage Backup Cleanup & Restoration

Sewage is Category 3 black water — the most hazardous water damage category. Professional cleanup is not optional. We respond fast and restore safely.

Sewage backup is the most hazardous form of water damage. Raw sewage is classified as Category 3 (black water) under IICRC standards — it contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxic chemicals that pose serious health risks to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is not a DIY cleanup situation.

In Colorado Springs, sewage backups most commonly result from main sewer line blockages, tree root intrusion into sewer lines, heavy rain overwhelming municipal systems, and aging clay or cast iron pipes that collapse or offset. Basement floor drains and ground-floor toilets are the most common entry points.

Our IICRC-certified technicians respond in full PPE, remove all contaminated materials, apply commercial-grade disinfectants, and restore your home to safe, habitable condition — with clearance documentation for your insurance claim and peace of mind.

Brandon McKim — Written by, Absolute Water Damage and Mitigation
Written by
Brandon McKim
Lead Restoration Technician
IICRC WRTIICRC AMRT
Nate Lemieux — Reviewed by, Absolute Water Damage and Mitigation
Reviewed by
Nate Lemieux
Co-Owner & IICRC Certified Technician
IICRC WRTIICRC CCTIICRC CRT
Last reviewed: June 1, 2026
Verified by field-certified sewage backup cleanup and black water removal technicians
Based on 25+ years of Colorado restoration experience

Key Facts

  • Sewage is Category 3 (black water) — the most hazardous water damage classification
  • Sewage contains E. coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, and dozens of other pathogens
  • All porous materials (drywall, insulation, carpet, wood) that contact sewage must be removed
  • Non-porous surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected with commercial-grade antimicrobials
  • Sewage backup is typically covered by homeowner insurance — but may require a sewer backup rider
  • Colorado Springs aging sewer infrastructure makes sewage backups more common in older neighborhoods

Signs of Sewage Backup

Raw sewage or dark water backing up through floor drains
Toilets, sinks, or tubs draining slowly or backing up simultaneously
Gurgling sounds from multiple drains
Sewage odor in basement or lower floors
Water backing up when you flush or run water
Wet spots or staining near floor drains
Multiple fixtures backing up at the same time
Sewage smell outside near cleanout access points

Our Sewage Cleanup & Restoration Process

1

Full PPE deployment — respirators, Tyvek suits, gloves, and eye protection for all technicians

2

Immediate containment to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas

3

Removal and proper disposal of all contaminated porous materials — drywall, insulation, carpet, padding

4

Commercial-grade extraction of all sewage and contaminated water

5

Multi-stage disinfection with EPA-registered antimicrobials on all affected surfaces

6

Air scrubbers with HEPA filtration to remove airborne pathogens and odors

7

Structural drying of all affected framing, subfloor, and concrete

8

Clearance documentation confirming safe, sanitary conditions

9

Full restoration — new drywall, flooring, paint, and finishes

In-Depth Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sewage backup dangerous?

Yes. Sewage is classified as Category 3 (black water) — the most hazardous category of water damage. It contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxic chemicals. Direct contact can cause serious illness. All affected materials must be professionally cleaned, disinfected, or removed.

How much does sewage backup cleanup cost in Colorado Springs?

Sewage backup cleanup in Colorado Springs typically costs $2,000–$10,000, with an average around $4,500. Cost factors include the volume of sewage, how far it spread, which materials need removal (carpet, drywall, subfloor), and whether mold developed. Most homeowners insurance policies exclude sewage backup from standard coverage — but a sewer backup rider (typically $50–$200/year) provides coverage. We document everything in Xactimate format to support your claim.

Does insurance cover sewage backup?

Standard homeowner policies often exclude sewage backup — it is frequently listed as a specific exclusion. However, a sewer backup rider (typically $50–$200/year) provides coverage. Check your policy and call us — we document everything to support your claim.

How long does sewage cleanup take?

Initial cleanup and disinfection typically takes 1–2 days. Structural drying takes 3–5 days. Full restoration including new drywall, flooring, and finishes typically takes 1–2 weeks depending on the extent of damage.

What materials have to be thrown away after sewage backup?

All porous materials that contacted sewage must be removed — drywall, insulation, carpet, carpet padding, and any wood that cannot be adequately cleaned and disinfected. Non-porous surfaces (concrete, tile, metal) can be cleaned and disinfected and do not need replacement.

24/7 Emergency

Sewage Backup? Call Now.

Category 3 black water is a health emergency. We respond in full PPE, remove all contaminated materials, and restore safely.

1-719-238-5064

60-minute response · IICRC certified

24/7 Emergency — Live Technician Answers Every Call