What to Do Immediately After a Sewage Backup in Your Basement

Why Sewage Backups Are a Serious Emergency

Few disasters cause as much stress for Chicago homeowners as a sewage backup in the basement. Unlike clean water leaks, sewage water is classified as Category 3 water under the IICRC S500 standard — the most hazardous type. It contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and contaminants that can jeopardize your family’s health, damage your property’s foundation, and destroy personal belongings.

If you’re facing this nightmare, quick action is critical. The steps you take in the first hours will determine whether the damage is contained or spreads throughout your home. This guide walks you through exactly what to do — and why calling ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is the safest, fastest choice.

Step 1: Stay Out of the Affected Area

• Do not enter the basement or any room where sewage water has surfaced.
• Sewage contains E. coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A risks. Even brief exposure can cause illness.
• Keep children and pets away from the contaminated area.

Step 2: Shut Off Electricity and Water (Safely)

• If it’s safe to do so without walking through water, switch off electricity to the affected area at your breaker panel.
• Turn off your home’s main water supply if the backup is still active.
• If you cannot reach these safely, wait for professionals. Electrocution is a real danger when water and power meet.

Step 3: Call a Certified Sewage Cleanup Company Immediately

This is not a DIY job. According to the IICRC, Category 3 water requires professional cleanup and disinfection protocols. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons offers:

• 24/7 emergency response across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and Oak Park.
• Trained technicians with IICRC Master Water Restorer certification.
• Industrial-grade pumps, negative air machines, and antimicrobial treatments.

Call the number for your area:

• Chicago & Northern Cook: (773) 376-1110
• North Shore/Lake County: (847) 316-9145
• Oak Park & DuPage: (708) 524-0304

Step 4: Document the Damage for Insurance

• Take photos and videos from a safe distance.
• Do not move contaminated items until they have been documented.
• Keep receipts for any emergency expenses.
• ServiceMaster can also help you navigate insurance claims — we’ve assisted thousands of Illinois homeowners through this process.

Step 5: Protect Belongings (Only If Safe)

If the water level is low and you can do so safely without exposure:

• Remove uncontaminated items from nearby rooms.
• Elevate furniture off the floor.
• Seal affected items in plastic bags until professional help arrives.

Step 6: Don’t Attempt DIY Cleanup — Here’s Why

• Health risks: Exposure to sewage can cause respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and long-term mold complications.
• Improper drying: Household fans won’t eliminate moisture deep in concrete or subflooring. Left untreated, hidden water leads to mold growth.
• Liability: Insurance may deny claims if “improper cleanup” worsens the damage.

How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Handles Sewage Cleanup

With 40+ years of local expertise and the legacy of ServiceMaster (founded in Chicago in 1929), our team follows strict IICRC standards:

1. Emergency Extraction: Pumping out sewage and water fast.
2. Removal of Contaminated Materials: Carpeting, drywall, insulation, and other porous materials are safely disposed of.
3. Deep Cleaning & Disinfection: EPA-approved antimicrobials to eliminate pathogens.
4. Structural Drying: Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers ensure no hidden moisture remains.
5. Content Cleaning & Restoration: Salvageable belongings are cleaned and deodorized.
6. Final Verification: Moisture readings confirm your basement is dry, safe, and ready to rebuild.

How to Prevent Future Sewer Backups in Chicago Homes

Chicago’s aging sewer systems and heavy rains make backups a recurring risk. Reduce your chances with:

• Installing a backflow prevention valve on your sewer line.
• Regularly inspecting your sump pump and testing its backup power.
• Avoiding grease and wipes in drains to prevent clogs.
• Scheduling plumbing maintenance before storm season.

FAQs: Sewage Backup in Basements

Is a sewage backup covered by homeowners insurance in Illinois?
Usually, only if you’ve purchased a sewer backup rider/endorsement. Without it, standard policies often exclude coverage.

How dangerous is basement sewage water?
Extremely. It’s considered Category 3 water with bacteria, viruses, and toxins that can cause severe illness.

How quickly should I call a professional?
Immediately. Every hour allows contaminants to spread and mold to take root.

Can ServiceMaster help with commercial sewage backup too?
Yes. We handle sewage backups in restaurants, offices, retail, and multi-unit buildings across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage.

What causes sewage backups in Chicago homes?

• Heavy rainfall overwhelming old city sewer systems
• Tree root intrusions
• Broken or clogged sewer lines
• Sump pump or backflow valve failure

What should I avoid doing during a sewage backup?

• Don’t use household fans (they spread airborne contaminants).
• Don’t touch contaminated materials without PPE.
• Don’t pour bleach directly into standing sewage (creates toxic fumes).

How long does sewage cleanup take?

• Small basement areas: 2–3 days, including drying.
• Severe backups: 5–7+ days, especially if structural repairs are needed.

Will I need mold remediation after a sewage backup?

• Likely, if water sat for more than 24–48 hours.
• ServiceMaster can handle mold remediation as part of the process.

How can I prevent a sewage backup from happening again?

• Install a backflow preventer.
• Schedule annual plumbing inspections.
• Keep gutters and drains clear to reduce pressure on sewer lines.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Chicago, the North Shore, Northern Cook County, Lake County, and DuPage. Led by CEO Nasutsa Mabwa and Sam Simon, an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, our team brings over 40 years of local expertise and the legacy of the nation’s oldest restoration brand (founded in Chicago in 1929).

We are proud members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and an IICRC Certified Firm (verify here: IICRC Certified Firm Verification). Our company has been recognized as a 2025 Inc. 5000 Honoree, a 2024 Chicago Star Award winner, and a BBB Torch Award recipient.

Related Services

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning