Sewage Backup Cleanup in Chicagoland
Sewage backups are a biohazard. Our trained Chicagoland crews remove contaminated water, dispose of unsalvageable materials, and sanitize the affected area using established Category 3 cleanup practices.
- What to do immediately
- Stop the source if it's safe, keep people and pets clear of the affected area, avoid contact with sewage or contaminated water, and call (773) 389-7455.
- When to call
- Call as soon as you notice damage. Speed is what determines whether materials are dried and saved or have to be removed and replaced.
- What the restoration team does first
- A live dispatcher takes the address and situation, our Chicagoland team is mobilized, and on arrival we secure the site, document the loss, and begin mitigation.
- Does insurance documentation help?
- For covered losses, yes. We capture moisture readings, photos, and a written scope-of-work in the format insurance adjusters expect to review.
What this service actually includes
Sewer backup claims in Chicagoland often arrive during major rain events, combined-system surcharges, or root-blocked laterals. The biggest mistake owners make is treating them like ordinary water damage instead of a biohazard loss.
Category 3 extraction
Safe removal of black water from basements, floor drains, restrooms, and lower commercial spaces.
Selective demolition
Controlled removal of contaminated drywall, carpet, pad, insulation, and contents that cannot be safely saved.
Decontamination
Disinfection, odor control, and post-cleaning verification so the space can be safely reoccupied.
What to do before we arrive
- 1
Stay completely out of the affected area and keep children, pets, and anyone with health vulnerabilities away.
- 2
Open windows if you can do so without entering contaminated water and avoid running HVAC through the affected level.
- 3
Do not throw away damaged materials until the loss is documented unless there is an immediate safety issue.
- 4
Call cleanup immediately because porous materials touched by sewage become harder to remediate with every passing hour.
Signs of sewage backup
- Black or gray water coming up through floor drains or toilets
- Sewage odor in basements or lower levels
- Multiple drains backing up at the same time
- Visible waste material on floors
Common causes
- Combined-sewer overflow during Chicago rain events
- Main-line blockages from roots or grease
- Failed check valves or ejector pumps
- Municipal sewer surcharge
Common Chicagoland scenarios
We respond to sewage backup situations like these every week across Chicagoland — from Chicago two-flats and garden units to finished basements in Naperville and commercial buildings in Schaumburg.
What materials are usually affected
- Carpet, pad, upholstered furniture, and porous storage items that cannot be sanitized after sewage contact
- Drywall and insulation below the contamination line, especially in finished basements and lower utility rooms
- Mechanical-room contents, shelving, and floor-level cabinetry exposed to splash or standing contaminated water
Properties we handle every day
- Older homes with full basements and floor drains
- Multi-family and mixed-use properties where backups impact multiple units or common areas
- Commercial spaces with restrooms, ejector pits, or lower-level drains that fail after hours
Our sewage backup process
- 1
Emergency call & dispatch
Speak with our 24/7 response team and we mobilize a Chicagoland crew immediately.
- 2
On-site assessment
Technicians document damage, identify hazards, and scope the work for your insurance.
- 3
Containment & extraction
We stop further damage with containment, water extraction, board-up, or shut-off as needed.
- 4
Drying & cleanup
Commercial-grade drying, antimicrobial treatment, and debris removal restore safe conditions.
- 5
Restoration & rebuild
We rebuild affected areas — drywall, flooring, paint — so your property is fully restored.
Why speed matters
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Porous materials it touches become unsalvageable quickly. Professional removal and sanitization protects your health and the structure.
Call (773) 389-7455Insurance help
Sewer and drain backup is usually only covered if you carry a specific endorsement on your policy. We document everything so you can pursue whatever coverage you have.
Learn more in our guide: Does homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Related restoration services
Sewage Backup Cleanup across Chicagoland
We respond in Chicago and across the suburbs. Below are popular sewage backup areas — or view every service area.
dense urban neighborhoods, two- and three-flats, mid-rise and high-rise buildings
View Chicago servicesestablished western suburb of single-family homes with finished basements
View Naperville servicesdiverse suburb with older neighborhoods, newer subdivisions, and river-adjacent areas
View Aurora servicescommercial-heavy northwest suburb with major office, retail, and hotel presence
View Schaumburg servicesdiverse south-suburban city with industrial, commercial, and residential mix
View Joliet serviceslakefront north-shore community with older housing stock and multi-family buildings
View Evanston servicesestablished north suburb with established residential neighborhoods
View Skokie servicesestablished northwest suburb adjacent to the Des Plaines River
View Des Plaines servicesFrequently asked questions
Is sewage backup a health hazard?
Yes. Stay out of the area and ventilate it. Sewage carries pathogens that cause serious illness. Our team uses PPE and follows biohazard protocols.
What gets thrown out?
Porous items soaked with sewage — carpet, padding, drywall below the water line, upholstered furniture — generally cannot be safely saved.
Will the smell go away?
Yes. After extraction, sanitization, and structural drying, the smell is gone. Lingering odor means moisture or contamination remains and needs further work.
Call now for emergency sewage backup
Speak with our 24/7 Chicagoland response team — (773) 389-7455.
Call (773) 389-7455