Sewage Backup Cleanup
Sewage backup is different from other water damage — it’s a contamination issue, not just a water issue. Treat it accordingly.
Safety first
Keep children and pets away from the affected area. Sewage water (called “category 3” water in the restoration industry) can carry bacteria and pathogens — this isn’t a cleanup for regular household cleaning supplies.
What causes it in Ohio
Many older Ohio cities, including parts of Dayton and Toledo, still rely on combined sewer systems that carry both stormwater and sewage — during heavy rain, these systems can back up into basements through floor drains. Tree root intrusion into older clay sewer lines is another common cause.
What to do
- Avoid contact with the water — don’t attempt to clean it yourself.
- Ventilate the area if possible without wading through the water.
- Get connected with a licensed crew equipped for category 3 water cleanup — this requires different equipment than a clean-water flood.
Local Help Near You
We connect homeowners dealing with this in Dayton · Toledo · Youngstown, and other areas across Ohio, with available local crews.
Responsibility for a sewer lateral is set locally. In Hamilton, for example, the city code puts cleaning and root removal of the whole lateral on the owner; our Hamilton water damage and sewer line guide summarizes the rules and links to the ordinances.