Why is sewage cleanup different?
Sewage is Category 3 water, meaning grossly contaminated and able to carry harmful agents (IICRC). Waste line backflow from beyond a trap counts as Category 3 regardless of how the water looks (IICRC). The EPA recommends a professional with contaminated-water experience for sewage (EPA).
Who do I call for a sewer backup in Atlanta?
If more than one drain is backing up, or the problem started in the street, call your water and sewer utility first. If the backup is from your own line, call a plumber to clear it and a cleanup company for the damage.
- City of Atlanta water main break or leak: 404-546-0311, or 311 inside the city, 24 hours a day (ATL311).
- DeKalb County water or sewer emergency: 770-270-6243, 24 hours (DeKalb Watershed Management).
- Your homeowners insurer: the claims number is usually on your policy declarations page or in the insurer's app.
What should I do while waiting?
Keep people and pets out of the area, stop using water in the house so the drains do not keep backing up, and photograph the damage. Do not try to clean sewage-soaked carpet or drywall yourself.
How do crews clean up sewage?
For Category 2 and 3 water, the IICRC says remediation comes before drying, with contamination controls and protective equipment for workers (IICRC). In practice, that means containment, removing soaked porous materials, cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, then drying.
What should I ask a sewage cleanup company?
- What will you remove, and what will you clean and keep?
- How will you contain the area from the rest of the house?
- Will you give me moisture readings once the area is clean?
- Do you bill my insurer directly?
- Can I see your Georgia contractor license and certificate of insurance?
Common questions
Can sewage-soaked carpet be cleaned?
It is usually removed and thrown out because it cannot be reliably disinfected.
Is a toilet overflow the same as a sewage backup?
Not always. A toilet overflow with only urine is often treated as Category 2, but backflow from beyond the trap is Category 3 (IICRC).
Related guides
Sources
- IICRC: Category of water damage position statement
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- ATL311: water main breaks and leaks
- DeKalb County Watershed Management
- Massachusetts DPH: water damage quick reference
Last reviewed November 13, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or medical advice.