Category 2 and Category 3 water requires different handling than a clean water loss. We do it right: safely contained, properly treated, fully documented.
What It Is
Sewage cleanup is removing the water from a sewer backup, a backed-up drain or a toilet overflow, along with everything it soaked. The industry's cleanup standard, the IICRC S500, treats a sewer backup as Category 3 water, its most contaminated class. A toilet overflow is Category 2, or Category 3 once feces are in it. In Category 3, anything that soaks up water (carpet, pad, the bottom of the drywall) comes out instead of being dried. The area is sealed off and treated with antimicrobial, a disinfectant made for building materials. A mop and a fan dry the surface and leave the contamination in the floor and walls. Kern Water Damage Restoration cleans up sewage backups across Bakersfield at any hour and is on site within 60 minutes. Call 661-912-6344.
The Process
Before anything is extracted, we contain the affected area to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected parts of the home. Sewage water tracked on shoes and equipment spreads the problem.
Sewage-saturated materials that can't be decontaminated are removed. This typically includes affected carpet, pad, and in some cases drywall to the flood cut line.
After extraction and material removal, all affected surfaces are treated with EPA-registered antimicrobial agents. This addresses bacteria and pathogens on surfaces that remain.
Once the contamination is addressed, the affected structure still needs to be dried. We set commercial air movers and dehumidifiers and monitor daily until materials reach dry standard.
Sewage losses are frequently disputed by carriers. Our documentation package includes the category determination, affected materials list, removal records, antimicrobial application, and daily drying logs, everything an adjuster needs to process the claim.
Common Causes
Tree root infiltration or grease buildup in the main sewer line can cause sewage to back up through floor drains, toilets, and tubs simultaneously.
A clogged or failed toilet that overflows with sewage-contaminated water is a Category 2 or 3 loss, not a clean water event.
Backed-up floor drains in laundry rooms, garages, and basements often carry gray or black water contamination.
Gray water from a washing machine drain line can saturate flooring and subfloor, classified as Category 2 and treated accordingly.
Sewage backups need to be contained fast. We answer any hour and dispatch same day.
We follow IICRC S500 handling for Category 2 and 3 losses, not the same process as a clean water job.
Sewage claims get scrutinized. Our records are built to hold up to adjuster review.
Caleb runs the job himself. No subcontractors on a sewage loss.
Available 24/7. Contaminated water needs to be contained fast. The inspection is free, and you decide afterward whether to hire us.
661-912-6344