A sewage backup is classified as Category 3 water damage, the most dangerous type. Unlike clean water from a burst pipe, sewage contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens that pose serious health risks. If you're dealing with a sewage backup in your Oklahoma City home, professional cleanup isn't optional, it's essential.
Health Hazards of Sewage Exposure
Raw sewage contains dangerous microorganisms including E. coli, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and parasites like Giardia. Exposure through skin contact, ingestion, or even breathing contaminated air can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and respiratory problems. Children, elderly adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk.
Common Causes of Sewage Backups in OKC
- Tree root intrusion, Oklahoma's mature tree canopy, especially in neighborhoods like Nichols Hills, Heritage Hills, and Mesta Park, frequently invades older clay sewer lines
- Aging sewer infrastructure, many OKC neighborhoods have sewer lines 40-60+ years old
- Heavy rainfall and flash flooding, combined sewer systems can overflow during Oklahoma's severe storms
- Grease buildup, a common issue in residential kitchen drains
- Municipal sewer main failures, city-side blockages that back up into homes
The Professional Sewage Cleanup Process
1. Safety Assessment & Containment
Our IICRC-certified technicians arrive in full PPE (personal protective equipment) and immediately establish containment zones to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas of your home.
2. Sewage Extraction & Removal
Industrial-grade pumps and extraction equipment remove all standing sewage. All porous materials that contacted sewage, including carpet, padding, drywall (up to the flood line plus 12 inches), and insulation, must be removed and disposed of as biohazardous waste.
3. Antimicrobial Treatment & Disinfection
Every affected surface is treated with EPA-registered antimicrobial agents. This kills remaining pathogens and prevents microbial growth during the drying process. We use hospital-grade disinfectants rated for Category 3 water damage.
4. Structural Drying & Dehumidification
Commercial air movers and dehumidifiers dry the structure to IICRC S500 standards. We monitor moisture levels with daily readings until the structure reaches acceptable levels, typically 3-5 days depending on the extent of contamination.
5. Clearance Testing & Restoration
Post-remediation air quality and surface testing confirms the space is safe for re-occupancy. We then coordinate with your preferred contractors or handle reconstruction in-house.
Does Insurance Cover Sewage Cleanup?
Most standard Oklahoma homeowner's insurance policies do not automatically cover sewer backup damage. However, many carriers offer an affordable "sewer and drain backup" endorsement (typically $40-80/year) that provides $5,000-$25,000 in coverage. Check your policy now, before you need it. If you do have coverage, ASAP Pro Services works directly with your insurance adjuster to coordinate documentation and claims. Learn more about navigating water damage insurance claims.
Why You Should Never DIY Sewage Cleanup
DIY sewage cleanup puts your health at serious risk and often makes the problem worse. Without proper containment, you can spread contamination to clean areas. Without adequate antimicrobial treatment, hidden pathogens survive and pose ongoing health risks. And without professional-grade drying equipment, you're almost guaranteed to face mold problems within days.
24/7 Sewage Cleanup in Oklahoma City
ASAP Pro Services provides emergency sewage cleanup across the entire OKC metro area, including Edmond, Norman, Moore, Yukon, Midwest City, and surrounding communities. Our biohazard-certified team is available 24/7/365 with an average 47-minute response time. Call (405) 992-4111 now for immediate help.