Discovering a sewage backup in your home is one of those moments nobody wants to experience. It’s messy, stressful, and can feel overwhelming—especially when you start wondering, “How much is this going to cost me?”
While every situation is different, there are some common factors that influence the cost of sewage cleanup. In the Spokane, WA area, homeowners often turn to STOP Restoration, a trusted leader in sewage cleanup and restoration, to help them navigate both the damage and the dollars.
Let’s break down what goes into the price so you know what to expect.
What Affects the Cost of Sewage Cleanup?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all price tag for sewage cleanup. Instead, restoration companies look at a handful of key factors:
1. Size of the Affected Area
The more square footage impacted, the higher the cost. Cleaning up a small bathroom backup will be much less expensive than sewage that has spread across a finished basement or multiple rooms.
- Small areas (like a single bathroom) typically cost less because there’s less flooring, drywall, and contents to address.
- Larger areas require more labor, more equipment, and more time, which all increase the overall price.
2. Type of Materials Affected
Porous materials are much harder to save after contact with sewage, which is classified as “Category 3” water (highly contaminated).
- Carpet, padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and some drywall often need to be removed and replaced.
- Tile, sealed concrete, metal, and some wood surfaces may be cleanable and restorable if treated quickly and properly.
The more items that must be removed and replaced, the higher your overall restoration cost.
3. How Long the Sewage Has Been Sitting
Time is a major factor. The longer sewage remains in place:
- The deeper it soaks into flooring, walls, and contents
- The greater the risk of mold growth
- The more extensive (and expensive) the cleanup and repairs become
This is why calling a professional like STOP Restoration right away can actually save you money in the long run. Fast action helps limit the damage and reduce the scope of work.
4. Location and Accessibility
Cleanup costs can also be affected by where the damage is located:
- A crawl space or tight basement may be more difficult to access, requiring extra time and specialized safety measures.
- A finished living area may involve more demo, more contents handling, and more reconstruction.
5. Level of Contamination and Safety Needs
Because sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other harmful contaminants, proper safety measures are critical:
- Technicians need personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Specialized cleaning agents and disinfectants are required
- Air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and other equipment may need to run for days
These health and safety requirements are built into the cost—but they’re absolutely essential to protect your family and ensure the space is truly safe again.
Typical Cost Ranges for Sewage Cleanup
Every project is unique, but here’s a general look at how costs can range:
- Minor sewage incident in a small area: Often starts in the lower hundreds to around a thousand dollars, depending on the scope.
- Moderate backup affecting a room or two: Costs can reach several thousand dollars, especially if flooring and drywall need removal and replacement.
- Major sewage damage in a basement or entire level of a home: These jobs can climb higher due to extensive demolition, drying, cleaning, disinfection, and reconstruction.
The best way to understand where your situation falls in that range is to get a professional assessment. STOP Restoration in Spokane offers prompt evaluations so you’re not guessing about the damage or the cost.
What’s Included in Professional Sewage Cleanup?
When you hire a professional sewage cleanup and restoration company like STOP Restoration, you’re paying for more than just “cleaning up the mess.” A typical project may include:
- Emergency response and inspection
- Containment to prevent cross-contamination to clean areas
- Removal of standing water and solids
- Safe disposal of contaminated materials (carpet, padding, drywall, etc.)
- Deep cleaning and disinfection of all affected surfaces
- Drying and dehumidification to prevent mold growth
- Odor removal and air quality improvements
- Repairs and reconstruction to restore your home to its pre-loss condition
This comprehensive approach is what helps ensure your home is not just visually clean, but truly safe and healthy.
Does Insurance Cover Sewage Cleanup?
In many cases, homeowners insurance may cover some or all of the sewage damage—especially if the loss was sudden and accidental. However, coverage varies by policy and by cause (for example, a backup from a city line versus a broken pipe on your property).
STOP Restoration regularly works with insurance companies in the Spokane area and can help:
- Document the damage
- Communicate with your adjuster
- Provide detailed estimates and photos
- Help you understand what’s covered and what isn’t
This support can ease a lot of the stress during an already overwhelming time.
Why Spokane Homeowners Trust STOP Restoration
If you’re dealing with a sewage backup in the Spokane, WA area, you don’t want to gamble with your family’s health or your home’s structure. STOP Restoration is a leading name in sewage cleanup and restoration in Spokane, known for:
- Fast 24/7 emergency response
- Trained, certified technicians
- Professional equipment and cleaning methods
- Clear communication and honest estimates
- Full-service restoration—from cleanup through repairs
Their team understands how disruptive sewage damage can be and works quickly to get your home clean, dry, and safe again.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Delay, Get a Professional Quote
While it’s helpful to know the factors that influence sewage cleanup costs, the most accurate number will always come from an on-site inspection. If you’re in Spokane or the surrounding areas and facing a sewage backup, contact STOP Restoration as soon as possible.
The sooner you bring in experts, the more damage (and cost) you can potentially avoid—and the sooner your home can get back to normal.
FAQ
1. What is the average cost of sewage cleanup?
The cost of sewage cleanup can vary widely depending on the size of the affected area and the materials involved. Small incidents may cost a few hundred dollars, while larger sewage backups—especially in basements—can reach several thousand dollars. A professional inspection from STOP Restoration can give you a precise estimate based on your specific situation.
2. Why is sewage cleanup so expensive?
Sewage cleanup involves hazardous materials and requires specialized equipment, safety gear, disinfectants, and trained technicians. The process often includes removing contaminated materials, deep cleaning, drying, and sometimes reconstruction. These health and safety measures naturally increase the cost.
3. Is sewage cleanup covered by homeowners insurance?
Often, yes—but it depends on your policy and the cause of the backup. Sudden and accidental incidents are commonly covered, while damage caused by poor maintenance may not be. STOP Restoration works directly with insurance companies in Spokane to help homeowners understand their coverage and file claims accurately.
4. How long does sewage cleanup take?
Most cleanup jobs take anywhere from 1 to 5 days depending on the severity of the damage. Drying time and reconstruction may take additional days or weeks. STOP Restoration responds quickly to minimize delays and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
5. Can I clean up sewage myself to save money?
It’s strongly discouraged. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness. Professionals like STOP Restoration follow strict health and safety protocols—using protective gear, specialized chemicals, and industrial drying equipment—to ensure your home is truly safe.
6. What factors affect sewage cleanup costs the most?
Major factors include the size of the affected area, type of materials involved, how long the sewage has been sitting, accessibility, and the level of contamination. Additional reconstruction needs can also increase the cost.
7. Will my flooring and drywall need to be replaced?
Porous materials like carpet, padding, baseboards, insulation, and drywall often need to be removed due to contamination. Hard surfaces such as tile or concrete may be salvageable. STOP Restoration will assess each material and determine what can be safely restored.
8. How quickly should I call for sewage cleanup?
Immediately. The longer sewage remains in place, the deeper it penetrates into materials, causing more damage and increasing cleanup costs. Quick action helps prevent mold growth and shortens the overall restoration timeline.
9. What are the health risks of untreated sewage damage?
Exposure to sewage can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory issues, skin infections, and long-term mold problems. Professional cleanup ensures harmful bacteria and contaminants are fully removed.
10. Why choose STOP Restoration for sewage cleanup in Spokane?
STOP Restoration is a trusted leader in sewage cleanup and restoration in the Spokane, WA area. They offer 24/7 emergency response, advanced sanitation techniques, insurance coordination, and full-service restoration to return your home to a clean, safe condition—quickly and professionally.
