Nobody plans for this call
Most people reaching this page are dealing with something they never expected to handle — a sewer backup through a finished basement, or a death in the family, or a scene the police have just released. You are not expected to know what to ask for.
Tell the dispatcher what happened in whatever words you have. They'll tell you whether to stay out of the area, who else needs to be called first, and when a crew can be there. Everything after that is our job, not yours.
Sewage carries bacteria and viruses that household gloves and a mop won't protect you from. Blood and other potentially infectious material requires bloodborne pathogen training and proper containment. Close the door, keep children and pets away, and wait.
What we handle
Discreet, trained, documented
No signage
Unmarked vehicles and plain uniforms on request. Your neighbours are owed no explanation, and they won't get one from us.
Proper containment
Full PPE, sealed containment, HEPA negative air, and staged decontamination on the way out.
Legal disposal
Regulated medical waste goes out in approved containers through a licensed disposal chain, with the manifest on file.
Paperwork you'll need
Photo and disposal records for an insurance claim, an estate, a landlord, or a probate attorney.
Biohazard questions
Is sewage in my basement covered by insurance?
Only if you carry a water backup or sewer backup endorsement — it isn't included in a standard Pennsylvania homeowners policy. It's usually an inexpensive add-on that people don't know they're missing until this happens. We'll check your declarations page with you before the work starts either way.
Can't I just bleach and mop it?
No. Sewage is Category 3 water — it carries bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and it soaks into porous material that can't be disinfected in place. Carpet, pad, drywall, and insulation it touched have to be removed. Bleach on a surface does nothing for what's behind it, and mopping spreads contamination into clean areas.
Who do I call first after a death at home?
Emergency services and the coroner, then the funeral home. Cleanup comes after the scene is released. When you're ready, call us — we can also talk to the landlord, the estate attorney, or the insurance carrier on your behalf so you aren't repeating the story.
Will the odor come out?
Yes, once the source material is gone. Odor from decomposition or sewage bonds into porous surfaces and subfloor, so anything that absorbed it is removed, sealed, and then treated with HEPA scrubbing and hydroxyl. We don't hand a property back that still smells.
How quickly can you come?
Same day, and typically within the hour inside Erie and Millcreek. For a sewage loss that's urgent — contaminated water spreads and the scope grows fast. For a trauma or death scene, we'll come whenever you're ready, including days later.