Sewage · Charlotte & 16 counties
Sewage cleanup and sewage backup restoration
- Round-the-clock availability
- Free assessment
- Complete documentation of the damage
- We coordinate your insurance claim
We respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across Charlotte and 16 counties in North and South Carolina. We remove the water with advanced extraction equipment, dry the structure, deal with the hidden damage that can make things worse, and keep complete documentation for your insurance claim.
What we handle
- Sewage backups
- Flood water mixed with sewage
- Advanced water extraction
- Structural drying
- Hidden water damage
- Complete documentation for your insurance claim
- Reconstruction as licensed general contractors
Why sewage is different from clean water
The CDC says floodwater can contain dangerous bacteria from overflowing sewage as well as agricultural and industrial waste, and the EPA notes that flood water can also carry chemicals and other hazards that may affect your health.
That changes how the cleanup has to be done: who goes into the area, what they wear, what gets thrown away, and how what stays is cleaned and dried.
Keep people and pets out
The CDC's guidance is to keep children and pets away from the affected area until cleanup has been completed. If anyone is injured or gets sick during or after the cleanup, the CDC advises getting medical attention right away. And if the building itself was damaged, the CDC says to stay out until a building inspector or other government authority has examined it and certified that it's safe.
Wear the right protective gear
If sewage is involved, the CDC says to wear rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles. The EPA's flood cleanup guidance adds an N-95 respirator, goggles without vent holes, gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and boots or work shoes.
What has to be thrown away
Some materials can't be saved once sewage reaches them. The CDC says to remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or floodwater, and to throw away anything you can't clean or dry quickly. The EPA gives the same rule for materials that soak up a lot of water and can't be cleaned and dried.
Before anything goes to the curb, photograph it, since you may need the photos for your insurance claim. We also keep complete documentation of every job.
Cleaning what stays
For hard surfaces, the CDC recommends thoroughly cleaning all wet items and surfaces with hot water and laundry or dish detergent, including flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture and countertops. The EPA adds that if you aren't sure what chemicals were in the water, you should clean as much as you can with water and detergent before using other products.
Never mix cleaning products
Both agencies are firm on this. The CDC says never to mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner, and never to use bleach in a closed space. The EPA warns that mixing cleaning products can create toxic vapors, including when bleach meets chemicals brought in by contaminated flood water.
Dry it fast, and dry it completely
The CDC recommends cleaning up and drying your home within 24 to 48 hours of the flooding, if possible. The EPA cautions that drying usually takes several days to weeks, that most home heating and air systems can't dry out a house on their own when humidity is very high after a flood, and that materials should read 15% moisture or less before they're ready for refinishing.
That's why structural drying is a separate step from removing the water. We extract the water with advanced equipment and then dry the structure, including the hidden areas that can make the damage worse if they stay wet.
Wash up when you're done
The CDC's advice is to wash up with soap and water once you're done cleaning, and to wash any cuts or wounds with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Help prevent the next backup
To keep floodwater from coming in through the plumbing, the CDC recommends installing backflow valves or plugs on drains, toilets and other sewer connections. A licensed plumber can tell you which ones fit your home.
How we handle sewage cleanup
Our emergency line, 704-372-1200, is open around the clock. We assess the damage, remove the water with advanced extraction equipment, dry the structure, and address the hidden problems that can make water damage worse. We keep complete documentation of the job and coordinate with your insurance company. As licensed general contractors, we can also rebuild what had to be removed, so one team takes you from the first call to the finished repair.
Questions
Is water from a sewage backup dangerous?
It can be. The CDC says floodwater can contain dangerous bacteria from overflowing sewage, and the EPA notes it can also carry chemicals and other hazards. Keep children and pets away until the cleanup is complete.
What should I wear to clean up after a sewage backup?
The CDC says rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles if sewage is involved. The EPA also recommends an N-95 respirator, vent-free goggles, gloves, long pants, long sleeves and boots or work shoes.
Do I have to throw out drywall and insulation?
If sewage or floodwater reached them, yes. The CDC says to remove and discard drywall and insulation contaminated with sewage or floodwater, and to throw away anything you can't clean or dry quickly.
How long does it take to dry out after a sewage backup?
Start within 24 to 48 hours if possible, as the CDC recommends. The EPA says complete drying usually takes several days to weeks, and materials should read 15% moisture or less before refinishing.
Can I use bleach?
Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner, and never use it in a closed space, according to the CDC. The EPA suggests cleaning with water and detergent first when you don't know what chemicals were in the water.
Do you work with my insurance company?
Yes. We work with top insurers, coordinate insurance claims and keep complete documentation of every job.
Sources
Damage happening right now?
Our emergency line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.