Expert Sewage Cleanup in Houston
Sewage backup is one of the most hazardous indoor contamination events a property owner can face. Category 3 blackwater contains fecal bacteria (E. coli, salmonella), viruses, parasites, and chemical contaminants. In Houston, aging municipal sewer infrastructure, heavy rainfall events, and grease buildup make sewage backups more common than most homeowners realize. Our team responds in full PPE with the equipment and training to make your property safe — and we document everything for your insurance claim.
Rhino is Houston's trusted water damage restoration company — responding 24/7 with IICRC-certified technicians across Greater Houston.
Signs You Need This Service
- Sewage odor coming from drains or floor
- Wastewater backing up into tubs or toilets
- Dark or discolored water on floors
- Multiple drains backing up simultaneously
- Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
- Wet spots near cleanout access points
What's Included With Every Job
Our Step-by-Step Process
Urgent Dispatch & Safe Entry
We respond immediately to sewage calls — this is not a 'schedule next week' situation. Our crew arrives in full Tyvek suits, respirators, and gloves, and assesses the extent before anyone enters the contaminated zone.
Source Identification & Containment
We identify the backup source — main line blockage, city sewer issue, or private lateral — and establish containment barriers to prevent the spread of contamination to unaffected areas.
Sewage Extraction & Gross Debris Removal
Sewage and contaminated water are extracted and removed using specialized equipment. All solid waste and gross contamination are bagged and disposed of per local biohazard regulations.
Material Removal
All porous materials in the sewage-affected zone — drywall, insulation, carpet, pad, wood flooring — are removed and disposed of. These materials cannot be sanitized to a safe standard and must be replaced.
Hospital-Grade Disinfection
Hard surfaces are cleaned, disinfected, and treated with EPA-registered disinfectants effective against the specific pathogens found in Category 3 water. Multiple application rounds ensure thorough coverage.
Drying, Deodorization & Rebuild
After sanitation is confirmed, structural drying begins. Ozone or hydroxyl generators neutralize any remaining sewage odor. We then coordinate full material replacement and rebuilding.
Based in Houston. Serving All of Greater Houston.
Our technicians are staged across Houston to reach you in 45 minutes or less. We serve all of Harris County and surrounding communities — Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Pearland, Spring, Humble, Baytown, and Pasadena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sewage backup covered by homeowner's insurance?
Standard homeowner's policies often exclude sewage backup unless you've added a sewer backup rider. However, if a covered cause (like a tree root breaking your lateral line in a storm) caused the backup, it may be covered. We help document the cause to maximize your claim.
How long can I wait before calling for sewage cleanup?
Do not wait. Category 3 contamination spreads rapidly — pathogens permeate porous materials within hours and the risk of airborne exposure increases with time. Call immediately after discovering a backup.
Do I have to replace my flooring after sewage backup?
Almost always yes, for porous flooring like carpet and hardwood. Tile and concrete can often be sanitized and saved. We give you an honest assessment of what can and cannot be saved before any work begins.
Will sewage smell go away on its own?
No. Sewage odor comes from bacteria actively breaking down organic matter. Surface cleaning and consumer deodorizers cannot penetrate porous materials where bacteria reside. Professional extraction, sanitation, and hydroxyl/ozone treatment are required.