Sewage Backup Cleanup in Lynn, MA
Sewage carries bacteria and viruses that make people sick, so this is not a do-it-yourself cleanup. Keep everyone out of the area and call. We will remove it, disinfect and dry the space safely.
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What is sewage backup cleanup?
Sewage backup cleanup is the safe removal of Category 3 (black) water that comes up through floor drains, toilets or showers. It involves protective gear, removing porous materials the sewage touched, disinfecting surfaces and drying the area. In Lynn, backups are most common during heavy rain in older neighborhoods served by combined sewers.
Last updated . Sources are listed at the end of this page.
Signs of a sewer or drain backup
Sewage backups usually show up in the lowest drain in the house first. Watch for:
- Dirty water coming up through a basement floor drain, shower or toilet
- Several drains gurgling or emptying slowly at the same time
- Water rising in a basement toilet or tub when a washer drains upstairs
- A sewer smell in the basement, especially after heavy rain
- Wet, stained areas around a floor drain or cleanout cap
- Backups that happen during big storms (a sign of overloaded city lines, not just your pipes)
How sewage cleanup works
Sewage is classed as Category 3, or "black water", the most contaminated type. Everything about the job is built around keeping people safe.
- 1
Protect people first
The area is closed off. Crews wear protective suits, gloves, boots and respirators. HVAC that could spread contamination around the house is shut down or sealed off.
- 2
Remove the sewage
Liquid and solid waste is pumped and extracted and disposed of properly, not into a yard or storm drain.
- 3
Remove what cannot be saved
Porous materials touched by sewage, like carpet, pad, drywall, insulation, upholstered furniture and cardboard, generally cannot be made safe again and are bagged and removed.
- 4
Clean and disinfect
Concrete, framing and hard surfaces are scrubbed and treated with disinfectant. Hard items worth keeping are cleaned separately.
- 5
Dry completely
Dehumidifiers and air movers dry the cleaned structure. Damp, contaminated materials are exactly where mold and bacteria thrive, so this step is not rushed.
- 6
Check and document
Moisture is confirmed dry, the area is checked for odor, and photos and records are provided for your insurer before any rebuild.
Not sure how bad it is?
A two-minute call and a few questions usually tell us what the job needs.
Call 24/7: (781) 555-0142Sewer backups in Lynn, especially West Lynn
Sewer backups are not random. In Lynn, they follow the age of the system and the weather.
Older combined sewers
Parts of Lynn, like many older New England cities, were built with combined sewers, where storm water from streets and roofs flows into the same pipes as household sewage. On a normal day that works. In a heavy rain, the pipes fill past capacity, and the overflow looks for the lowest way out, which can be a basement floor drain.
West Lynn between Commercial Street and the Saugus River
West Lynn neighborhoods between Commercial Street and the Saugus River have a long history of sewer water backing up into basements during big storms. The land is low, close to the river and the harbor, and high tides can slow how fast storm water drains away. Homes there that have had one backup are likely to have another without a backwater valve.
Old house laterals
The private pipe from your house to the street is often as old as the house. Tree roots, cracked clay pipe and grease buildup can cause backups on a dry day, too. If only your home is affected and it is not raining, the problem is likely your lateral, and a plumber with a camera can confirm it.
Who to call
If a backup is affecting several homes on your street, report it to the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission as well. The cleanup inside your home is your responsibility either way, and the sooner it starts, the less ends up in the trash.
What affects the cost of sewage cleanup
Sewage jobs cost more per square foot than clean-water jobs because of the safety work and disposal. The main factors:
- Area affected
- One corner around a drain versus a whole basement floor.
- Finished space
- Carpet, drywall, paneling and furniture touched by sewage generally have to be removed and disposed of.
- Depth and solids
- More solid waste and deeper water mean more extraction, cleaning and disposal.
- Time before cleanup
- Sewage that sits for days soaks deeper into concrete and wood and leads to more odor and mold work.
- Contents
- Items that need to be photographed, inventoried and disposed of for an insurance claim take time.
- HVAC exposure
- If ductwork or a furnace was affected, it may need cleaning or replacement.
We do not quote prices online. Every estimate is based on what we measure on site, and inspections are free.
Does insurance cover sewer backup cleanup?
Often only if you have the right endorsement. Most standard homeowners policies in Massachusetts exclude water that backs up through sewers or drains unless you added a "water backup and sump discharge" endorsement, which is usually inexpensive and often has its own coverage limit.
If the backup was caused by flood water entering the system during a storm, flood insurance may apply instead. If it was caused by a broken pipe inside your home, standard coverage may apply. The cause matters, so record what happened and when.
If you are not sure what you have, check your declarations page for "water backup" before you call your insurer. Our insurance claims guide walks through it, and our article comparing sewer backups and floods explains who pays for what.
What the work looks like
Illustrative photos of a typical result, not from a specific job.
Sources
About this page: written by the Lynn Water Damage Pros team for property owners in Lynn and the North Shore, and last reviewed . It is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Check your own policy for what it covers.
Sewage Backup Cleanup: common questions
Can I clean up a small sewage backup myself?
For a small amount on bare concrete, wearing gloves, boots and eye protection and using a proper disinfectant, some homeowners do. For anything on carpet, drywall or furniture, more than a small puddle, or anyone in the home who is pregnant, elderly, very young or immune-compromised, call professionals.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Usually, if the affected area is closed off and no one goes into it. Keep children and pets away, do not run HVAC that pulls air from the basement, and wash hands carefully after any contact.
What can be saved after a sewage backup?
Hard, non-porous items like metal, glass, solid plastic and sealed hard furniture can usually be cleaned and disinfected. Carpet, pad, mattresses, upholstered furniture, cardboard, paper and drywall that touched sewage generally cannot be made safe.
How do I prevent another backup?
A backwater valve on your sewer line stops city sewage from flowing back into your home. Keep grease out of drains, have your lateral inspected if backups happen in dry weather, and add a water backup endorsement to your insurance.
What is the difference between grey water and black water?
Grey water (Category 2) comes from washers, dishwashers or sinks and has some contamination. Black water (Category 3) includes sewage and flood water and is grossly contaminated. Grey water left for a day or two can become black water.
Related services
Flooded Basement Cleanup
Sump pump failures, groundwater seepage and spring-thaw flooding.
Mold Remediation
Removing mold that grows after a leak or flood.
Storm & Flood Damage
Cleanup after nor'easters, storm surge and flash floods.
We also serve nearby towns
Based in Lynn and working across the North Shore, including:
Water still coming in? Call now.
Shut off the water if you can do it safely, keep away from wet outlets, and call. We will talk you through the next few minutes and get help moving.