Sewage backup is the most hazardous type of water damage that can occur in a residential or commercial property — classified as Category 3 'black water' contamination by the IICRC. Raw sewage contains a complex mixture of pathogenic bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter; enteric viruses including hepatitis A, norovirus, and rotavirus; parasites including Cryptosporidium and Giardia; and potentially chemical contaminants from pharmaceuticals and household products. Contact with this water carries serious health risks for anyone, and is particularly dangerous for children, elderly individuals, and people with compromised immune systems.
Rhino Restoration's biohazard-trained technicians handle sewage cleanup with the proper personal protective equipment, decontamination protocols, and EPA-registered antimicrobial agents required for Category 3 remediation. All porous materials that have been contaminated — including drywall, insulation, carpet, padding, and in some cases wood flooring — must be completely removed and properly disposed of as regulated waste. Cleaning and sanitizing the surface is not sufficient.
Every sewage cleanup job is documented for insurance purposes. Sewage backup endorsements are available under most homeowner's policies, and we work directly with your insurer to submit documentation and support your claim. We also provide guidance on whether your situation is likely covered and what steps to take to maximize your coverage.
Our Process
Biohazard Assessment and Full PPE Protocol Setup
Contaminated Water Extraction with Specialized Equipment
Complete Removal of All Contaminated Porous Materials
Structural Surface Cleaning and Initial Disinfection
EPA-Registered Antimicrobial Triple Application
HEPA Air Scrubbing Throughout the Cleanup Process
Structural Drying of Remaining Materials
Post-Cleanup Surface Testing and Clearance Documentation
Why Choose Rhino Restoration
Biohazard-trained and certified technicians
Full Class A PPE protocols on every job
Category 3 water certified — proper pathogen protocols
EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants
HEPA air filtration prevents airborne pathogen spread
Direct insurance billing for covered events
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sewage backup covered by homeowner's insurance?
Standard HO-3 homeowner's policies typically exclude sewer backup as a base coverage, but this exclusion can usually be removed by adding a sewer backup endorsement for a relatively modest annual premium. If you have this endorsement, most cleanup costs are covered. Call your insurer immediately and simultaneously call us — we can help document the event and communicate with your adjuster.
Why can't I clean up sewage backup myself?
Household disinfectants cannot achieve the level of pathogen elimination required after a sewage event. Porous materials that have been contaminated must be removed, not cleaned. OSHA requires trained technicians with appropriate PPE for sewage cleanup. Attempting DIY cleanup puts you at significant health risk and may leave your home with contamination levels that are unsafe for occupancy.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
The initial extraction, demolition of contaminated materials, and disinfection typically take 1 to 2 days for a contained sewage event. Structural drying of remaining materials then takes 3 to 5 additional days. Full reconstruction of replaced materials follows after drying is verified complete.
What causes sewage backups in San Antonio homes?
The most common causes in San Antonio include tree root intrusion into aging clay sewer pipes, municipal sewer system capacity overload during heavy rain events, grease buildup in kitchen drain lines, foreign objects flushed into toilets, and aging or failed sump pumps during high groundwater events.