911 Restoration of Portland
When you’re facing a sewage backup, there’s no time to hesitate — and no reason you should have to deal with it alone.
At 911 Restoration of Portland, we turn messy, stressful situations into clean, safe spaces again. Our team is on call 24/7, ready to arrive within 45 minutes with protective gear, industrial equipment, and that signature Fresh Start attitude we’re known for.
A sewage backup isn’t just a bad smell or a plumbing issue — it’s a serious contamination that can threaten your health and the structure of your property. That’s why Portland homeowners, property managers, and business owners trust us to handle it quickly, safely, and compassionately.
Emergency Sewage Cleanup in Portland, OR
Call 911 Restoration of Portland today at (503) 376-6666 if your basement, bathroom, or kitchen has experienced a sewage backup. We provide help to both commercial as well as residential property.
What Causes Sewage Backup in Portland, OR?
In Portland, where rain, mature trees, and older plumbing systems are part of everyday life, it doesn’t take much for a sewer line to get overwhelmed. The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services reports that before its Big Pipe Project, the city averaged about 50 sewer overflow events every year. Thanks to system upgrades, overflows into the Willamette River have now been reduced by 94 percent, and into the Columbia Slough by 99 percent. That’s great progress—but even with citywide improvements, backups can still happen inside homes and businesses.
Here are some of the most common causes:
Storm overflow
When intense rainfall hits Portland, the city’s stormwater system can fill faster than it can drain. In these moments, wastewater can back up into basements, drains, or lower-level bathrooms, especially in older homes or low-lying neighborhoods.
Tree roots
Portland’s beautiful tree canopy is a defining part of the city, but those roots can slip into aging clay or cast-iron sewer lines and cause serious blockages. Once that happens, sewage and water have nowhere to go but back toward your property.
Clogged or broken pipes
The Bureau of Environmental Services warns that a blockage in the private “lateral” line that connects your home to the main sewer can easily trigger a backup. Fats, oils, and grease—often referred to as FOG—are one of the biggest culprits. The city’s “Cut Through the FOG” program was created specifically to help prevent these household clogs.
Appliance or toilet overflow
Even a simple clog can lead to an unexpected overflow. A malfunctioning sump pump, floor drain, or toilet line can release contaminated water into floors and walls within minutes.
No matter how it starts, a sewage backup requires fast action. At 911 Restoration of Portland, we stop the source, clean and disinfect every surface, and make your property safe again.
The 911 Restoration Sewage Backup Cleanup Process
When you call us, you get more than cleanup. You get a clear plan, real communication, and a certified team that treats your property like their own. Here’s how we bring you back to normal:
Step 1: Rapid Response
When you call 911 Restoration of Portland, our team mobilizes right away. We arrive within about 45 minutes, ready to get started. The first thing we do is inspect the affected areas, identify the source of the sewage intrusion, and explain what needs to happen next. Our technicians answer every question clearly so you know exactly what we’re doing and why.
Step 2: Extraction and Containment
Next, we focus on removing all sewage water and debris. We use professional-grade extraction pumps and wet vacuums designed to handle contaminated water safely and efficiently. Containment barriers are set up right away to isolate the damaged area. This step prevents bacteria, odors, and airborne contaminants from spreading into clean rooms, ductwork, or HVAC systems.
Step 3: Deep Sanitization and Cleaning
Once all standing water is removed, we clean every surface that has come into contact with the sewage. Our crew applies EPA-approved antimicrobial and disinfectant solutions that eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. We use microfiber cloths, steam cleaners, and specialized brushes to scrub walls, floors, and baseboards. Any materials that cannot be cleaned safely, such as soaked carpet or damaged drywall, are carefully removed and disposed of following health and safety standards.
Step 4: Drying and Dehumidifying
After cleaning, it is critical to remove all remaining moisture. Portland’s humid climate can make this challenging, so we use industrial air movers and commercial dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry out the space. Moisture meters and thermal imaging tools help us check inside walls and under flooring to ensure nothing is left damp. This step protects your property from secondary damage like mold or structural weakening.
Step 5: Odor Elimination and Restoration
When everything is clean and dry, we treat the air and materials to eliminate lingering odors. Our team uses ozone generators and hydroxyl purifiers to neutralize odor molecules instead of just covering them up. Finally, we restore the damaged areas to their original condition.
Why It’s Important to Leave Sewage Cleanup to the Pros
Sewage water (also known as Category 3 black water) carries dangerous bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Exposure can cause severe illness — even if you think you’ve “cleaned it up.”
Our team uses full protective gear, professional filtration, and proven decontamination methods that meet IICRC and OSHA standards. We don’t just make the area look clean — we make sure it is clean, safe, and livable again.
How to Prevent Future Sewage Backups
After cleanup, we help you prevent the same nightmare from happening again. We’ll:
- Inspect your main line for cracks or intrusions
- Recommend backflow valves for flood-prone neighborhoods
- Educate you on proper drain care and what not to flush
- Suggest regular plumbing maintenance before Portland’s rainy season hits
Call Now-We are the #1 Sewage Backup Cleanup Company in Portland, OR
If you’re dealing with a sewage backup, don’t wait. Every minute means more contamination, more odor, and higher repair costs.
Call 911 Restoration of Portland at (503) 376-6666 anytime — day or night.
Sewage cleanup FAQs
Can I clean up a sewage spill myself?
It’s understandable to want to start cleaning right away, but sewage cleanup is not a DIY job. Store-bought cleaners can’t eliminate all contaminants, and using a regular vacuum or mop can actually spread bacteria. Professional restoration ensures every surface is disinfected and that hidden areas, such as wall cavities or flooring, are fully dried and sanitized. Our process restores your space safely without putting you at risk.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover sewage cleanup?
Many insurance policies include coverage for sudden and accidental sewer line failures or plumbing backups, but not all cover damage from external flooding. We work with most major insurance companies in Oregon and help you handle documentation, photos, and claim communication from start to finish so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
We’ll be there fast, ready to clean, disinfect, and restore your home or business with the care and professionalism you deserve. Because with us, every disaster is just the beginning of your Fresh Start.
Recent Reviews
Review by Megan R., Portland, OR
Water Damage Restoration
“After a major pipe burst in our basement, we were overwhelmed with water everywhere. The restoration team arrived within an hour and started drying everything immediately. They were professional, explained each step, and even coordinated with our insurance. Our basement feels completely restored!”
Review by Jason L., Beaverton, OR
Flood Damage Restoration
“We had flooding after a storm, and the technicians handled everything from extraction to mold prevention. A few delays in scheduling, but overall excellent service. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with water damage.”
Review by David K., Tigard, OR
Fire Damage Restoration
“Fire damage is devastating, but the crew worked efficiently and respectfully in our home. They explained the process and made sure our walls and floors were restored properly. Very satisfied with their work.”
Review by Carlos D., Lake Oswego, OR
Mold Remediation
“The mold in our basement was spreading fast. The technicians were professional and efficient, using equipment we didn’t even know existed. Only minor delays in response time, but the end result was great.”
Review by Mark S., Portland, OR
Smoke Damage Cleaning
“Smoke from a small attic fire left our house smelling awful. The team was professional, friendly, and thorough. Everything smells fresh now, and the walls look clean again. Very happy with their work.”