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When your property in Reno is hit by a sewage backup, time is critical. Whether it’s from a clogged drain, a storm, or an old sewer line, the damage caused by raw sewage goes far beyond a foul smell — it brings serious health risks, contaminates your space, and can quickly lead to mold, structural issues, and thousands of dollars in damage if not handled fast and professionally.
At RestorationMaster, we provide emergency sewage cleanup in Reno, NV, for both residential and commercial properties. Backed by IICRC-certified technicians, advanced equipment, and years of hands-on experience, we restore your property quickly, safely, and thoroughly.
Why Sewage Backups Require Professional Cleanup
A sewage backup is considered Category 3 water damage by the IICRC, meaning it’s the most hazardous type of water contamination. Attempting to clean it on your own can put your health at risk and often leads to incomplete disinfection or hidden moisture problems.
Professional sewage removal is essential for:
- Preventing disease exposure (E. coli, norovirus, hepatitis, etc.)
- Avoiding mold within 24–48 hours
- Stopping damage to drywall, flooring, and furnishings
- Removing biohazards and sewage waste safely
- Restoring indoor air quality and eliminating persistent odors
Sewage Water Extraction For Your Residential and Commercial Property in Reno, NV
One of the most critical steps in any sewage cleanup operation is the extraction of sewage water—a task that requires both specialized equipment and certified expertise. The goal is to quickly and thoroughly remove all standing black water (highly contaminated sewage) before it can penetrate deeper into porous materials like drywall, insulation, wood framing, or flooring.
Here’s How Our Professionals Perform Sewage Extraction
At RestorationMaster, we’ve seen all kinds of sewage backups—from overflowing basement drains to full-blown pipe bursts. No matter the situation, our licensed technicians follow a detailed process to safely extract the sewage and get your property on the path to recovery. Here’s how we handle it:
1. Assess the Situation and Contain the Damage
The first thing we do is figure out how far the sewage has spread and how contaminated the area is. We use moisture meters and visual inspections to check walls, flooring, and even inside cabinets. Then, we seal off affected areas with plastic sheeting and containment barriers to make sure the mess doesn’t spread to the rest of your home or business.
2. Suit Up for Protection
Before stepping into any contaminated zone, our crew puts on full personal protective gear—including gloves, goggles, respirators, and biohazard suits. This isn’t just for our safety; it also ensures we’re not tracking contaminated material into clean areas.
3. Remove Standing Water and Sewage Solids
Next, we bring in high-powered extraction pumps (either truck-mounted or portable depending on access) to suck up all the standing black water and sewage waste. If carpets, padding, or other materials are too far gone, we remove them on the spot—this prevents bacteria from settling in and keeps the cleanup process moving.
4. Pull Out Moisture from Floors and Surfaces
Once the standing water is gone, we shift to wet vacuums to pull out moisture that’s soaked into the floor, tiles, baseboards, or other hard surfaces.
We also check for moisture in porous building materials like drywall and subfloors—if they’re saturated, we’ll cut out and remove those sections to stop mold in its tracks.
5. Apply Pre-Treatment to Kill Bacteria Early
Before setting up drying equipment, we spray EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions on the affected areas. This helps kill bacteria early and makes the environment safer for deeper cleaning and drying.
6. Find Hidden Moisture
Sewage has a way of creeping into places you can’t see. So we use moisture meters and thermal cameras to check inside walls, behind baseboards, under flooring, and anywhere else water might be hiding.
Final Steps in the Sewage Cleanup Process
Once the worst is over—meaning all the sewage water has been removed—our job isn’t done. There’s still a lot more to do to make sure your home or business is truly clean, dry, and safe to use again. Here’s what comes next:
1. Deep Cleaning and Disinfection
After the extraction is complete, we roll up our sleeves and get to work scrubbing and sanitizing every surface the sewage touched. That includes walls, floors, baseboards, furniture, and any exposed materials. We use hospital-grade disinfectants, HEPA vacuums, and good old-fashioned hand scrubbing to get rid of any remaining bacteria, waste, or grime. Nothing gets overlooked.
2. Drying Out the Structure
Even if everything looks dry, moisture can still be hiding in your floors, walls, or air. To stop mold from growing, we bring in powerful air movers and dehumidifiers. These machines run around the clock to pull moisture out of the air and deep from within porous materials. Depending on how much water there was, this part can take anywhere from a day or two to several days.
3. Getting Rid of Odors
Sewage smells have a way of lingering even after cleanup. That’s why we take extra steps to deodorize the space. We use equipment like air scrubbers, ozone machines, and hydroxyl generators to break down odor particles in the air. By the time we’re done, the space will not only look clean—it’ll smell fresh too.
4. Repairs and Rebuilding (If Needed)
Sometimes, parts of the home—like drywall, flooring, or insulation—have to be removed during the cleanup. If that’s the case, we can help with the repairs too. Whether it’s patching up drywall or replacing entire sections of flooring, we’ll work with you to get everything put back the way it was—or better.
Is Sewage Backup Covered by Insurance?
Most homeowners and renters insurance plans don’t cover sewage backups by default. Usually, you have to add extra coverage to protect yourself from the damage sewage backups can cause. What’s covered and what’s not can depend on whether you own or rent, and what your specific policy says. Here’s a quick look at how it works for both homeowners and renters.
| What It Covers | Homeowners Insurance | Renters Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Sewage Backup Coverage | Usually NOT included by default. You need to add a special rider or endorsement. | Typically NOT included. Some insurers may offer add-ons for personal belongings. |
| What’s Covered | Cleanup, repairs to your home’s structure and damaged belongings caused by sewage backup. | Covers damage to your personal belongings inside the rental unit if you have the right coverage. |
| Common Causes Covered | Clogged sewer lines, sump pump failure, heavy rain flooding sewer systems. | Same causes, but coverage limited to your personal property only. |
| Exclusions | Damage from neglect, wear and tear, or poor maintenance is usually excluded. | Same exclusions apply; no coverage for building repairs. |
| How to Get Coverage | Must buy an endorsement or rider separately, usually for a small additional fee. | Add-ons may be available; check with your insurance company. |
| Claim Process | Requires documentation like photos, cleanup invoices, and repair estimates. | Similar documentation, focused on personal belongings. |
| Tips | Check your policy and talk to your agent to add this coverage if you don’t have it. | Ask your insurer if you can add this to protect your belongings. |
We Assist You in Filing Claims After a Sewage Backup Emergency. Call RestorationMaster Now
Easy Ways to Keep Sewage Backups from Ruining Your Home
Nobody wants to deal with the mess and damage of a sewage backup. Luckily, many backups can be avoided by being mindful of what goes down your drains and staying on top of maintenance. A few simple habits can make a big difference in protecting your home and saving you from costly repairs. Here’s how you can help prevent sewage backups before they start:
- Only flush toilet paper—avoid wipes, paper towels, and anything else that can clog pipes.
- Schedule regular sewer line inspections and cleanings, especially if your home’s plumbing is older.
- If your area experiences heavy storms or flooding, consider having a backflow valve installed to stop sewage from coming back up.
- Listen for warning signs like slow drains, strange noises, or water pooling where it shouldn’t.
- Don’t wait—call a plumber as soon as you notice issues to stop problems from getting worse.
- Never pour grease or cooking oils down the drain; instead, collect and throw them away with your trash.
- Keep gutters, downspouts, and storm drains clear of debris to prevent excess water from overwhelming your sewer system.
Call RestorationMaster For Sewage Cleanup Services in Reno, NV
If your home or building has been affected by a sewage backup, call our professionals at RestorationMaster right away. Our expert team is available 24/7 to manage any sewage-related problems, including backups and overflows, quickly and efficiently. We specialize in restoring your property and minimizing disruption to your life.
For reliable and immediate cleaning in Reno, NV, call 775-546-2036 Get a free estimate and inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sewage cleanup usually take?
The time depends on the severity of the backup and the size of the area affected. Extraction and initial cleanup can typically take 4 to 8 hours. Full drying and disinfection often require 24 to 72 hours, sometimes longer if there is extensive water damage or mold growth. Restoration of structural elements like drywall or flooring can add days or weeks depending on the repairs needed.
How much does sewage cleanup usually cost?
The price can really depend on how bad the damage is and how much needs fixing. On average, you might be looking at anywhere from around $2,000 up to $7,000 or even more for serious situations. Things like removing ruined materials, dealing with mold, fixing damaged walls or floors, and getting rid of any bad odors all add to the cost.
Is sewage backup covered under flood insurance?
No. Flood insurance typically covers damage from surface water flooding like heavy rain or overflowing rivers but does not cover sewage backups caused by clogged or damaged sewer lines. Sewage backup coverage is separate and must be added to your homeowners or renters policy.
Recent Reviews
"Our upstairs toilet leaked onto our Family room below.They were clear and concise in describing their procedures to us. They informed us well as they kept tabs on our house during the “drying out” process, and were clear regarding any possible things that could go wrong. Luckily, nothing else Was uncovered in the process. They were very professional and also worked well with our insurance. Would recommend."
"We had a pipe burst under our house and then we got a hold of RestorationMaster. They showed up within hours and got to work removing water and damage. Their crew was amazing and professional and they worked with our insurance company with no hangups. It took a few days to get all the water out and dried up but when the guys showed up every day they were cheerful and assuring that all would be taken care of. I hope you never need them but when you do you won’t find a better crew!"
"We woke to water standing in the hallway, bathroom and laundry. Turned out to be the water heater. RestorationMaster was called and they responded quickly. All the people were professional, efficient and knowledgeable about helping to dry out the house. I was informed about what was to happen. I highly recommend them."