How much does sewage cleanup cost?
How much does sewage cleanup cost?
$7 – $15+ average cost per square foot
$2,000 – $15,000+ average total cost
Average sewage cleanup cost
Sewage cleanup costs $7 to $15+ per square foot on average. Cleaning up a small sewage backup affecting a single room and handled quickly may cost $2,000, while cleaning up a larger area or sewage that's been sitting a while may cost up to $15,000, or more if the job involves mold or extensive damage and restoration.
The location and size of the affected area, the type of wastewater, and how long the sewage has been present all impact the final bill.
| Cleanup scope | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Small spill (single room) | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Medium backup (multiple rooms) | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Large contamination | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Extensive damage with repairs and restoration | $15,000 – $50,000+ |
Sewage backup cleanup cost factors
Beyond the immediate health concerns, sewage cleanup involves extensive sanitization, potential structural repairs, and specialized equipment. Several factors can impact the total cost:
Location & accessibility: Easily accessible ground-level areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms are less expensive to clean. Basement or crawl space sewage cleanup costs more, as these areas require specialized pumping equipment and enhanced safety measures.
Time elapsed: Fresh sewage spills are easier and less expensive to clean than contamination that has sat for days or weeks, penetrating deeper into drywall, flooring, and insulation. It also increases the risk of mold growth. Mold removal costs can add $15 to $30 per square foot to your expenses.
Wastewater type: Blackwater (from toilets) is the most hazardous and expensive to clean. Greywater (from sinks, showers) costs less but still needs professional attention.
Damage type & extent: The size of the affected area and the severity of contamination play a big role in pricing. Minor spills are cheaper, while widespread damage or deep contamination increases costs.
Inspection fee: A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 to determine the scope of the problem.
Permits: Plumbing permits cost $30 to $500. Most contractors include permit fees in their estimate, but it's always best to confirm this.
Repairs
Cleanup is just the first step in resolving a sewage backup situation. Depending on the extent of the backup, you may be dealing with several repairs:
To eliminate the cause, sewer backup repairs cost $50 to $250+ per linear foot to replace damaged sections of the sewer line.
For more extensive sewer line damage, complete sewer line replacement costs $2,000 to $10,000 on average.
Septic tank pumping and cleaning costs $500 to $1,000.
Structural damage adds significant costs. If sewage has compromised floor joists, wall framing, or electrical systems, you'll face major repair bills beyond basic cleanup services.
Restoration
Once repairs are complete, full restoration brings your home back to its original condition. This may include installing fresh drywall, painting, installing new flooring, replacing fixtures, and addressing any cosmetic damage from the cleanup process.
Costs vary widely based on the damage level and your home's materials and finishes. The table below shows common restoration costs after a sewage cleanup:
| Service | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Drywall replacement cost | $2 – $4 per square foot |
| Flooring replacement cost | $4 – $15 per square foot |
| Insulation replacement cost | $1 – $5 per square foot |
| Appliance replacement cost | $250 – $1,300+ each |
| Interior painting cost | $350 – $850 per room |
| Deodorization cost | $100 per hour |
*Including labor and materials; most contractors have minimum job fees of $200 or more.
Some homeowners use sewage damage as an opportunity to upgrade affected areas. While this increases immediate costs, it can improve your home's value and functionality.
Testing
Some cleanup companies include basic testing in their service packages, while others charge separately. When not included, indoor air quality testing costs $200 to $500. While it may be an added expense, these tests provide peace of mind that all health hazards have been addressed.
Additional costs to consider
Beyond direct cleanup and restoration expenses, several additional costs may apply to your situation:
Emergency response fees: Many companies charge higher rates for after-hours or weekend service calls, potentially adding $200 to $500 to your bill.
Temporary housing: Severe contamination may require evacuating your home during cleanup, resulting in hotel or rental costs.
Storage: You might need professional storage for salvageable belongings during extensive cleanup. Renting a storage unit costs anywhere from $65 to $200+ per month, depending on the size and location.
Sewage cleanup FAQs
Does homeowners insurance cover sewage cleanup?
Most standard homeowners policies exclude sewage backup damage. Check your policy for specific coverage details. If your plan does not cover it, most providers offer additional backup coverage for an extra monthly premium.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
Simple sewage cleanup jobs take 1 to 3 days, while extensive restoration projects can require 1 to 2 weeks. Complex cases involving structural repairs may take several weeks to complete.
Can I clean up sewage myself?
Professional cleanup is strongly recommended for any cleanup involving sewage. Raw sewage contains dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pose serious health risks to your family. These dangerous pathogens require specialized handling and disposal. Never attempt cleanup without proper training and protection.
Getting estimates for sewage cleanup service
Follow these guidelines to find sewer cleanup contractors near you who can handle your sewage cleanup safely and effectively:
Contact at least 3 licensed restoration companies for detailed estimates that break down all costs including cleanup, disposal, testing, and potential repairs.
Verify they are properly licensed, insured, and have certifications for biohazard cleanup work.
Check their online reviews and ratings on HomeGuide and Google.
Ensure they have experience with your specific type of damage (basement flooding, crawl space contamination, etc.).
Confirm they provide post-cleanup testing and warranties on their decontamination work.
Questions to ask a sewage cleanup pro
Asking the right questions can help you choose the best pro for the job and avoid surprises during the cleanup process:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for sewage cleanup work?
What certifications do your technicians hold for biohazard cleanup?
Can you provide references from recent sewage cleanup projects?
Do you offer 24/7 emergency response services?
What safety protocols do you follow during sewage cleanup?
Will you work directly with my insurance company?
Do you provide written estimates with detailed cost breakdowns?
What testing do you perform to verify complete decontamination?
How do you handle hazardous waste disposal?
What warranty do you offer on your cleanup and restoration work?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.