Sewage Backup Cleanup in Buckhannon & North Central WV

A sewage backup is one of the worst messes a home or business can have. It’s also a health hazard. Red Ridge Contracting cleans up sewage backups safely: we remove the contaminated water and materials, clean and disinfect, dry the structure and rebuild what was lost. We’re IICRC certified and hold WV Contractor License #WV064509.

Sewage in your basement or on your floors? Call 24/7: (304) 439-6619. Available 24/7, on site in 120 minutes or less across north central WV.

Why Sewage Is Category 3 Water

The IICRC, the industry body that sets restoration standards, sorts water damage into categories by how contaminated the water is. Sewage is Category 3, the most contaminated category. It can carry bacteria and other harmful agents that can make people sick. Rising water from rivers and streams can fall into the same category.

That’s why sewage cleanup is different from drying out a clean-water leak. Porous materials that soak up sewage, such as carpet, carpet pad, drywall and insulation, usually can’t be cleaned well enough to keep, so they’re removed and replaced.

Flood cut with wet drywall and insulation removed during water damage cleanup in a West Virginia home

Stay Safe Until We Get There

  • Keep everyone out, especially children, pets and anyone with a weakened immune system.
  • Don’t touch it bare-handed. If you have to go near it, wear rubber boots and rubber gloves, and cover any cuts.
  • Stop adding water. Don’t run sinks, showers, the washing machine or the dishwasher, and don’t flush, until the cause is found and fixed.
  • Watch the electricity. Turn off power to the area only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
  • Take photos of the damage before anything gets moved, for your insurance claim.
  • Wash up. Wash your hands and any skin that touched the water with soap and clean water, and wash dirty clothes separately in hot water.

What We Do

  1. Free inspection and assessment. We look at how far the water spread and what it reached. Request a free inspection.
  2. Removal of standing water and waste.
  3. Removal of contaminated materials. Carpet, pad, drywall, insulation and other porous materials that the sewage reached come out and are hauled away. Our 16-yard roll-off dumpsters and cleanout labor are available for bigger jobs.
  4. Cleaning and disinfecting of the remaining hard surfaces and framing.
  5. Drying and moisture checks so the structure is actually dry before anything gets closed back up. This also helps prevent mold.
  6. Documentation with photos and moisture readings for your insurance claim.
  7. Rebuild. Drywall, flooring, trim and paint, done by the same contractor through our general contracting services.

We Clean Up the Damage. A Plumber Fixes the Cause.

Red Ridge does not repair sewer lines, drains or plumbing. If the backup came from a clog, a broken line or another plumbing problem, a licensed plumber needs to find and fix it. If the backup came from the public sewer, call your city or utility, too. Once the cause is handled, we finish the cleanup, drying and repairs.

Sewage Backups and Insurance

Coverage for sewer and drain backups varies a lot. Some policies cover it, some exclude it, and some only cover it with an added endorsement. Your agent can tell you what yours includes. We work with any and all insurance companies. We document the damage and meet with your adjuster when needed. Billing varies from job to job, and we’ll explain how it works for yours before we start. For costs insurance doesn’t cover, financing is available through Acorn Finance. See our insurance claim walkthrough.

Serving North Central West Virginia

We clean up sewage backups in homes and businesses across Upshur, Lewis, Harrison, Randolph and Barbour Counties, including Buckhannon, Weston, Clarksburg and Bridgeport, Elkins and Philippi. See all of our service areas.

Why Red Ridge

  • IICRC certified · WV Contractor License #WV064509
  • Available 24/7, on site in 120 minutes or less across north central WV
  • Free inspections
  • Cleanup and rebuild from one contractor
  • Financing through Acorn Finance

Call or text (304) 439-6619 any time, email service@redridgewv.com, or request a free inspection.

Sewage Backup FAQ

Can I clean up a sewage backup myself?

A small amount on a hard floor may be manageable with the right protection, but sewage carries bacteria and other harmful agents. Once it reaches carpet, drywall or a large area, professional cleanup is the safer choice.

Can my carpet be saved?

Usually not. Carpet and pad that sewage has soaked are generally removed and replaced.

Do you fix the pipe that backed up?

No. A licensed plumber needs to find and fix the cause. We handle the cleanup, disinfection, drying and repairs.

Is sewage backup covered by insurance?

It depends on your policy. Some policies need an added endorsement for sewer and drain backup. Ask your agent. We work with any and all insurance companies.

Is it safe to stay in the house?

Keep everyone out of the affected area, especially children and pets. If the backup is large or the smell spreads through the home, it may be best to stay somewhere else until cleanup is done. We’ll talk through it with you.

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