1. Safety check and containment
The crew checks for electrical and slip hazards, puts on protective equipment and seals off the affected area so sewage does not spread.
Old City, Philadelphia, PA · Philadelphia County
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup in Old City, Philadelphia, PA
Septic tank or lift station overflow in Old City? Call (877) 812-4220 to get the sewage on the ground and inside cleaned up, the affected materials removed and the odor that stays behind treated.
- Answered 24/7
- Unmarked vehicles
- OSHA bloodborne pathogen protocols
- Insurance claim help
If anyone is in danger, call 911 first. For a suicide crisis, call or text 988.
Sewage Backup Cleanup for Old City Owners, Landlords and Managers
Commercial sewage cleanup is the same biohazard work done in shops, restaurants, offices and apartment buildings, where many people share the space and the area must be cleared and sanitized before use resumes.
When sewage backs up in your Old City property, call Old City Biohazard Cleanup Help for a crew that treats it as a Category 3 biohazard. The team removes the sewage, discards contaminated materials and disinfects the affected area in Philadelphia County with EPA-registered products.
Many homes in Philadelphia, about 83%, date from before 1980. Older plumbing is a common source of backups, and older flooring and trim soak up sewage deeply. With roughly 51 inches of annual rainfall in Old City, saturated ground and storm runoff add pressure to sewer pipes, a common cause of basement and crawl space backups.
What sewage & biohazard cleanup covers:
- Decontamination of HVAC components and air paths when sewage odor has spread
- Sanitizing after sewage reaches concrete slabs, tile grout and unfinished basement walls
- Cleaning and sanitizing of salvageable furniture, appliances and stored belongings
- Septic tank and lift station overflow cleanup inside and around buildings
- Cleanup after toilet, tub, shower and floor drain overflows
How a Sewage Cleanup Company Works a Job in Old City, Philadelphia, PA
2. Extract and clear
Sewage is removed from the floor and low areas, and debris, trash and soiled belongings are cleared out.
3. Removal of porous materials
Carpet, padding, drywall and insulation that soaked up sewage are cut out, bagged and hauled away as contaminated waste.
4. Deodorize and hand back
Odor treatment finishes the job, and the owner receives documentation of the work for insurers or property managers.
Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup Cost in Old City, Philadelphia, PA
Expect sewage & biohazard cleanup in Old City, Philadelphia, PA to cost roughly $1,500 to $10,000, with the final price set after an on-site assessment.
Insurance coverage can change who pays but not the scope. Sewer backup is often covered only by an added endorsement, so owners should check their policy before work starts.
| Type of job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Category 3 sewage | $7.50 - $7.50 per square foot |
| Most homeowners | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| Published span | $1,500 - $8,000 |
| Typical project | $2,000 - $10,000 |
Published ranges only (Bob Vila, Fixr, BioCleaners Directory, Biohazard cleanup company pricing guide); every sewage & biohazard cleanup job in Old City is priced after an on-site look. Price drivers include square footage affected, category of water, porous materials that must be removed, drying time. Questions? Call (877) 812-4220.
Raw Sewage Cleanup: Questions from Old City, Philadelphia, PA Property Owners
Who pays for sewage cleanup, the landlord or the tenant?
It depends on the cause, the lease and local law. A landlord's policy may cover the building, while a renter's policy may cover belongings. If the blockage was in a public sewer main, the city or utility may be responsible for the repair.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
Small jobs may be finished in a day, while larger ones with tear-out, drying and odor treatment take longer. The time depends on the area affected and what had to be removed. The crew can tell you what to expect after assessing the space.
What if the sewage came from a septic tank?
A septic overflow is cleaned as raw sewage, both inside any affected building and on nearby ground. Contaminated soil, materials and surfaces are handled and disinfected. A septic service may also need to empty or repair the tank.
Why does drywall have to be removed after sewage?
Drywall is porous and holds contamination that can spread germs and odor long after the surface looks clean. Crews usually cut out wall board that sewage touched, and often take out a margin above the wet mark to reach clean material.
What is Category 3 water, also called black water?
Category 3 water is the most contaminated level, and sewage is the standard example. It can carry disease-causing germs and should never be cleaned with household supplies alone. Flood water that touched sewage is treated the same way.
How do I disinfect a basement after a sewer backup?
After the sewage and soaked materials are out, floors and walls are scrubbed with a cleaner, then treated with an EPA-registered disinfectant used by label directions. Unsealed concrete can hold odor and needs extra attention. Crews often handle this step with professional equipment.
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Sewer backup in your Old City home or business?
Call Old City Biohazard Cleanup Help at (877) 812-4220 any hour, including nights and weekends.
Call (877) 812-4220