You flushed, and the shower drain in the basement started gurgling. Minutes later, raw sewage was coming up through the floor drain and both toilets. This is Category 3 blackwater, loaded with bacteria and viruses, and it is not something to mop up with household cleaners.
Free referral to independent, licensed and insured local pros. Zip codes served include 22835.

Sewage is a health hazard first and a water problem second. A Water Damage is a free referral service that connects you with independent, licensed and insured contractors near Luray who are equipped for Category 3 blackwater, including protective gear, containment, and hospital-grade disinfectants.
Expect Tyvek-style suits, respirators, and gloves. Contaminants stay in the work zone, not tracked through your home.
Containment walls and HEPA filtration keep sewage odors and particles from spreading through the house.
Each contractor carries independent licensing and insurance. Ask for proof before work begins, especially for biohazard work.
Pricing for each phase is written down and approved by you first.

Sewage cleanup follows a strict order: contain, remove, clean, disinfect, verify, then dry. Skipping a step can leave pathogens behind long after the smell is gone.

Liquid sewage and solids are extracted with dedicated equipment and disposed of according to local rules, not dumped down another drain.
Anything porous that absorbed sewage, like carpet, drywall, and insulation, is removed and bagged.
Hard surfaces are scrubbed, then treated with EPA-registered disinfectants left on for the full contact time listed on the label.
After disinfection, HEPA air scrubbers and odor control treatments remove lingering sewage odor from the air and structure.
Cleanliness is checked, sometimes with ATP swab testing, before drying gets the area ready for rebuild.
Call +1-877-637-9008, describe where sewage is coming up, and confirm everyone has stopped using water in the house.
You will get an arrival time and safety reminders while the crew is on the way.
The pro sets up containment, assesses how far contamination reached, and gives you a written estimate before removal begins.
Contaminated materials are removed, surfaces disinfected, odors treated, and the area dried. The contractor may recommend a plumber to clear or camera the main line.
Stop using water and keep everyone away. Help can be on the way now.
Our main line backed up into the basement. They sealed it off, suited up, removed everything contaminated, and the smell was completely gone.
Carmen E.Main line backup, basementHonest about what had to be thrown away and why. I appreciated the explanation.
Steve R.Toilet overflow into finished roomWith kids in the house, I wanted it contained. The plastic barrier and air scrubber kept it all downstairs.
Jenna P.Sewage backup, family homeAfter cleanup, they suggested a camera inspection. Tree roots in the main line, now fixed.
Omar H.Recurring sewer backup

It is Category 3, meaning grossly contaminated. That category triggers full biohazard protocols.
It depends on the size of the backup and where it is. Small contained areas may be fine with containment in place. Large backups, or households with infants, elderly, or immune-compromised people, often warrant staying elsewhere.
Tiny spills on tile may be manageable with protection. Anything soaked into carpet or walls should be handled by a pro.
Many standard policies exclude sewer backup unless you have a specific sewer or drain backup endorsement. Check your policy with your agent.
Common causes include tree roots in the main line, grease buildup, collapsed or bellied pipes, and municipal sewer overloads during heavy rain.
No. A Water Damage is a free referral service connecting you with independent, licensed and insured local contractors who do the work and bill you directly.

Independent sewage cleanup contractors in the network serve Luray, VA and nearby zip codes like 22835.
See nearby cities in the list below.
