Contaminated water removal, containment, disinfection and drying for sewage backups from backed drains or WSSC issues.
Fastest: call (833) 490-5225. Or send this and we call you back.
Sewage water is the grossly contaminated category and requires containment, protective equipment and specialized cleaning. The technician sets up containment, removes and disposes of contaminated materials, disinfects surfaces and dries the structure. The source of the backup is investigated and reported.
A sewage backup floods the basement or lower level with water from the sewer line. In Prince George's County, the water and sewer authority is WSSC Water. If sewage backs up while water is being run, call a plumber; if it backs up when no water is in use, or if a plumber has found a blockage in a WSSC-maintained pipe, call WSSC's 24-hour emergency line at 301-206-4002.
WSSC clears a blockage on its side at no charge; the plumber's bill for finding the blockage is the homeowner's first cost. Claims for WSSC-caused backups go to the WSSC Claims Office at 301-206-7095; most claims resolve in about 30 days. The water damage restoration starts immediately to minimize contamination spread.
Sewage backup is covered by the water/sewer-backup endorsement on homeowners insurance in Maryland. Buying this endorsement is optional but strongly recommended in a basement or low-lying property. Check your policy to see whether you have this coverage.
Do not enter a sewage-flooded basement without protective equipment. Do not touch sewage water with bare hands. Do not use a household vacuum or any equipment on sewage. Do not allow family members or pets into the contaminated area. Call (833) 490-5225 from outside the contaminated space.
Tree roots, grease or debris block the sewer line between the house and the WSSC main. Water backs up into the house. The plumber finds the blockage and clears it; the bill is the homeowner's responsibility. WSSC is not involved unless the blockage is on WSSC's side.
The blockage is in the pipe between the property line and the WSSC main. WSSC clears it at no charge. The homeowner files a claim with WSSC if damage occurred. The plumber's bill for locating the blockage is the homeowner's responsibility.
The WSSC main is overwhelmed by volume or has failed, causing water to flow backward into properties. Claims for WSSC-caused damages go to the WSSC Claims Office. The restoration work starts immediately while the claim is processed.
In some areas, stormwater and sanitary sewage use the same pipes. During heavy rain, the system is overwhelmed and sewage backs up into basements. This is most common in older urban areas but can happen anywhere the system is at capacity.
If it's an emergency, call now. For non-urgent sewage backup cleanup, send the form and we'll call you back.
Only if you have the water/sewer-backup endorsement on your homeowners policy. This is optional in Maryland but is strongly recommended if your house has a basement or low-lying property. Buying the endorsement is inexpensive compared to the cost of cleanup.
The endorsement usually covers the water damage from the backup and the cost to clean and restore the area. Check your policy to see whether you have this endorsement and whether your coverage limits are adequate.
Your insurance, if you have the sewer-backup endorsement. If the backup was caused by WSSC, you file a claim with the WSSC Claims Office. The technician does the cleanup; the insurer pays. The plumber who locates the blockage is billed separately.
Start the restoration work immediately; do not wait for insurance approval. The longer sewage sits, the worse the contamination spreads. The insurer will pay the reasonable cost of proper cleanup.
Stop using all plumbing immediately. Do not flush toilets or run water. Call (833) 490-5225 and WSSC (301-206-4002) right away. If the backup is still rising, move to an upper level and call for immediate help. Do not go into the contaminated area yourself.
Sewage is a biohazard. Exposure to it can cause serious illness. Professional cleanup with proper containment and disinfection is essential, not optional.
The removal and initial cleanup can take a few days depending on the extent of the contamination. Drying takes longer. Complete remediation may take a week or more. The technician will give you a timeline based on what happened.
You may not be able to use the affected areas during cleanup. Plan to stay elsewhere if needed. The contamination is serious and thorough cleanup is required.
The depth of the sewage, the area affected, how much material has to be removed, and the extent of contamination all move the price. A small, quick backup may cost less than a large area flooded with sewage.
Get the estimate in writing. It should include the containment, the material removal, the disinfection, the water extraction and disposal, and the drying work. Understand what is and is not included before work starts.
The moment sewage backs up, stop using all plumbing fixtures. Do not flush toilets or run water. Call (833) 490-5225 immediately. The technician assesses the extent of the backup. In Prince George's County, the homeowner should call WSSC at 301-206-4002 to report the backup and ask whether WSSC has a blockage on its side.
Plastic sheeting and tape are used to isolate the affected area from the rest of the house. The technician wears protective equipment and sets up a decontamination area. The basement is entered with precautions to document the extent of the backup.
Sewage-contaminated materials including carpet, pad, particleboard and insulation are removed and bagged for disposal. Hard surfaces are cleaned and treated with appropriate disinfectants. Everything removed is photographed and listed for the insurance record.
The sewage water is pumped out with appropriate containment for the discharge. The water may need to go to a licensed disposal company rather than a standard drain or storm system.
Air movers and dehumidifiers are set up to dry the structure. Daily monitoring continues until readings reach the baseline. Any signs of mold are addressed during or after the drying process.
In Prince George's County, WSSC Water (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) maintains the sewer lines. If you suspect the backup is from a WSSC-maintained line, call WSSC at 301-206-4002 immediately. They will investigate and clear a blockage on their side at no charge.
The water/sewer-backup endorsement is available from homeowners insurance companies in Maryland. It is affordable and highly recommended for properties with basements or low-lying areas. Talk to your insurance agent about adding this coverage if you do not already have it.
The WSSC Claims Office processes claims for WSSC-caused damage. Most claims resolve in about 30 days according to WSSC's 2024 information. Have documentation of the damage and the restoration cost ready when you file.
Not sure if you're covered? Check your ZIP code.
Pumping and extraction of standing water in Brandywine basements and commercial spaces, with the wet area documented as the water empties.
Moisture mapping, extraction, monitored drying and cleanup for Brandywine homes and businesses, with the estimate explained before work begins.
Monitored drying equipment, daily moisture readings and humidity control to dry framing, insulation and contents after water damage.
In Maryland a standard homeowners policy generally covers sudden water damage and generally excludes flood and seepage through a foundation or floor.
In southern Prince George's County, WSSC Water is the utility for most homes served by public sewer.
Yes. Sewage contains bacteria and pathogens that can cause serious illness if ingested or if they contact open wounds. Even exposure to sewage fumes can cause respiratory symptoms. Always treat a sewage backup as a serious biohazard.
No. Sewage cleanup requires containment, protective equipment, specialized disinfectants and safe disposal methods. DIY cleanup puts you at serious health risk and may not be adequate. Professional cleanup is necessary.
Wash your hands and any exposed skin immediately with soap and water. If you have open wounds or get sewage in your eyes, mouth or nose, seek medical attention. Seek medical care if you develop symptoms like nausea, vomiting or respiratory problems.
Start with your homeowners insurance if you have the sewer-backup endorsement. If the backup was caused by WSSC, also file a claim with the WSSC Claims Office at 301-206-7095. Let your insurer advise you on both processes.
Do not flush items other than toilet paper. Do not pour grease down drains. Do not plant trees or shrubs near the sewer line (roots can block it). Have the line inspected periodically if it is old. A check valve on the main line can prevent backups from the street side.
A plumber inserts a camera into the sewer line to see whether there are blockages, cracks or roots. This helps identify problems before they cause backups. If you have had a backup, this inspection may be recommended to prevent another one.
No, but it can be mitigated with a sewer-backup insurance endorsement and by maintaining the sewer line. A check valve on the main line helps. Even with prevention, backups happen during heavy rain or system overload.