Reading, PA · Berks County

Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup in Reading, PA

Not sure whether a sewer backup in Reading needs a cleanup company? Call (877) 812-4220 and describe what happened. You can get raw sewage cleanup, contaminated flooring and walls dealt with, and final sanitizing.

Call (877) 812-4220

Answered 24/7
Unmarked vehicles
OSHA bloodborne pathogen protocols
Insurance claim help

If anyone is in danger, call 911 first. For a suicide crisis, call or text 988.

Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup in Reading, PA

Sewage Cleanup Services for Reading, PA Homes and Businesses

Sewage cleanup is the removal of raw sewage and everything it soaked into, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the affected area. Because sewage carries bacteria and viruses, it is handled as a biohazard.

Call Reading Biohazard Cleanup Help any hour about a sewer backup in Reading, PA. You get an assessment of how far the sewage spread, removal and decontamination, and a chance to talk through insurance and landlord questions in Berks County.

With roughly 45 inches of annual rainfall in Reading, saturated ground and storm runoff add pressure to sewer pipes, a common cause of basement and crawl space backups. About 59% of households in Reading rent, so sewage backups often involve a landlord, a property manager and a tenant at once. Clear documentation of the cleanup helps everyone.

The work often covers:

Cleanup after toilet, tub, shower and floor drain overflows
Cleaning and sanitizing of salvageable furniture, appliances and stored belongings
Cleanup of sewage under a house or in a crawl space where pipes have failed
Spot checks of the affected area and documentation for insurers and landlords
Raw sewage removal from floors, basements, crawl spaces, garages and utility rooms

What Happens During Raw Sewage Cleanup in Reading

1. Safety check and containment

The crew checks for electrical and slip hazards, puts on protective equipment and seals off the affected area so sewage does not spread.

2. Isolate and protect

Plastic barriers and air controls go up, and technicians suit up before they enter the sewage area.

3. Take out what absorbed it

Porous items soaked by Category 3 water are removed, and the crew sorts belongings into keep and discard with the owner.

4. Sanitizing and deodorizing

Remaining surfaces are washed and disinfected, and odor is removed at its source rather than covered up.

Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup Cost in Reading, PA

Sewage & biohazard cleanup in Reading, PA typically costs $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the size of the affected area and the materials involved.

Whether the area has finished surfaces or bare concrete affects the work. Sealed floors disinfect easily, while wood and unsealed masonry need more attention.

Type of job	Typical range
Published span	$1,500 - $8,000
Most homeowners	$2,000 - $10,000
Category 3 sewage	$2,500 - $10,000
Category 3 sewage	$7.50 - $7.50 per square foot

These ranges come from published cost guides (Bob Vila, Fixr, BioCleaners Directory, Biohazard cleanup company pricing guide) and are not a quote for Reading. Price drivers include square footage affected, category of water, porous materials that must be removed, drying time. For a real number, call (877) 812-4220.

Try the Reading Biohazard Cleanup Cost Calculator →

Common Questions About Sewage Cleanup in Reading

Should I call a plumber or a cleanup company first?

If sewage is still coming up, a plumber may need to stop the source. If sewage is already on the floor, a cleanup team can start containing it at once. Many property owners call both, and it does not matter much which is first. Sewer backup companies and plumbers often work one after the other on the same job.

What illnesses can raw sewage cause?

Sewage can carry germs such as E. coli, norovirus, hepatitis A and Giardia. They spread through skin contact, splashes and hand to mouth contact. Washing well and wearing protection reduce the risk, but removal by a crew reduces it most.

Why does drywall have to be removed after sewage?

Drywall is porous and holds contamination that can spread germs and odor long after the surface looks clean. Crews usually cut out wall board that sewage touched, and often take out a margin above the wet mark to reach clean material.

What if sewage backs up through a shower or tub?

Treat it as raw sewage. Keep people out of the bathroom, stop using the fixture and call for cleanup. The liquid can reach under flooring and into walls, so a crew checks beyond the visible puddle.

Who pays for sewage cleanup, the landlord or the tenant?

It depends on the cause, the lease and local law. A landlord's policy may cover the building, while a renter's policy may cover belongings. If the blockage was in a public sewer main, the city or utility may be responsible for the repair.

How do I clean sewage off concrete?

Concrete is porous, so sewage soaks in. The surface is scrubbed, rinsed and treated with a disinfectant, and the wash water is collected rather than spread. Stubborn odor may need a second round of treatment.

Looking for a sewage cleanup company in Reading, PA?

Keep people and pets out, then call (877) 812-4220.