Sewage backup is a health emergency, and it's more common than most homeowners think. In this article, All Pro Restoration COO and water damage expert Jessica Rinfret shares causes, warning signs, what to do if it happens to you, and what Colorado law says about landlord responsibility.
Is Sewage Backup an Emergency?
Yes, sewage backup is a health emergency. Leave sewage cleanup to a professional.
Category 3 Water Classification and Why It Matters
The restoration industry classifies water damage on a three-tier scale based on contamination level. Category 3, aka "black water," is the highest classification, and sewage backup falls into it.
Unlike a supply line leak or an overflowing sink water, sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in human waste.
Once it enters your home, contaminated water spreads into:
- Flooring
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Cabinetry
- HVAC systems
Contamination isn't always visible, so areas that appear dry or unaffected may still require professional cleaning and disinfection.
"One of the biggest misconceptions we see is homeowners treating sewage backups like a normal water loss. The reality is that sewage isn't just water - it's contamination."
How Common Is Sewage Backup in Denver?
Most homeowners never expect to experience a sewage backup, but they're more common than people realize.
Colorado's shifting soil creates pipe bellies (sections of pipe that sag and cause waste to pool).
Older neighborhoods throughout Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Englewood, and parts of Aurora often contain aging sewer systems that become increasingly vulnerable as they age.
Homes built before the 1980s generally face a higher risk of sewer line issues due to older clay sewer lines and mature trees with deep and extensive root systems.
What Causes Sewage Backup in Denver Area Homes?
Sewage backups stem from a range of issues, most of them gradual rather than sudden:
- Tree root intrusion causing small cracks and eventually complete blockage
- Aging clay or cast iron sewer pipes that corrode, crack, or collapse over time
- Grease buildup that solidifies inside sewer lines
- Flushable wipes and hygiene products that don't break down and accumulate in sewer lines
- Heavy rain and stormwater events that cause overload and backup
- Sewer service line bellies caused by shifting soils that cause waste to pool
How To Tell If You Have a Sewage Backup
Unlike localized clogs, sewage backups tend to affect multiple fixtures at once and often come with an odor.
Common Warning Signs Inside the Home
- Multiple drains backing up simultaneously
- Gurgling toilets
- Slow drains throughout the house (not just one sink)
- Sewage odors
- Water backing up through basement floor drains
Common Warning Signs Outside the Home
- Wet or soft areas in the yard
- Unexplained patches of unusually green grass
If you notice any of these signs, act immediately to prevent further damage.
What To Do If You Have a Sewage Backup
If you experience a sewage backup, avoid all contact with contaminated water and follow these steps.
- Stop using all plumbing fixtures immediately
- Keep people and pets out of affected areas
- Shut off electricity to any area where water is near outlets or appliances
- Document damage with photos & contact your insurance company
- Call a professional restoration company experienced in sewage cleanup
Why DIY Sewage Cleanup Is Dangerous
Exposure to sewer water can cause humans and animals to become seriously ill in a short amount of time. It can cause:
- Gastro-enteritis that induces vomiting, diarrhea & more
- Hepatitis that can cause liver failure
- Skin conditions and infections
DIY cleanup also frequently leaves behind water that has migrated beneath flooring and behind walls, and every hour that contamination is left unaddressed increases health risks and the scope of restoration.
When To Call a Professional
Unlike other minor water events, sewage backup of any size requires professional cleaning and restoration.
Call a professional if you notice any of the common warning signs listed above or if you have standing water and you can't identify the source.
All Pro Restoration provides 24/7 emergency response to Denver-area homeowners dealing with sewage backups. Call 720-729-0002, and our IICRC-certified technicians can be at your home in 90 minutes or less.
Key Takeaways
- Sewage water is Category 3, meaning backup is a serious health emergency.
- Contamination spreads fast into materials you can't see.
- Denver's older neighborhoods face elevated risk due to aging infrastructure and tree root intrusion.
- DIY cleanup is dangerous and often misses hidden contamination.
Sewage Cleanup FAQ
Does homeowner's insurance cover sewage backup?
Coverage varies by policy. Many standard homeowner's policies exclude sewage backup. Coverage is frequently added through a separate sewer backup endorsement. Before a loss occurs, review your policy for whether sewer backup coverage exists, what the coverage limits are, your deductible, and any exclusions.
Can a sewage leak or backup make you sick?
Yes. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Exposure can cause gastroenteritis, hepatitis, wound infections, and fever. Anyone who comes into direct contact with sewage should consult a medical professional.
How long does a landlord have to fix sewage backup in Colorado?
Colorado landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, which includes functioning sewage systems and safe conditions.
If a sewage backup makes portions of a rental property unsafe or unsanitary, landlords are generally responsible for addressing the issue within a reasonable timeframe after being notified.
Tenants should:
- Notify the landlord immediately
- Document conditions with photographs
- Keep records of communications
This FAQ contains general information, not legal advice. Contact an attorney if you're unsure of your tenant rights.
How can I prevent sewage backup in my home?
While sewage backups aren't completely preventable, these prevention steps can help:
- Schedule routine sewer camera inspections
- Never flush wipes (even "flushable" ones) or hygiene products
- Dispose of grease properly
- Regularly inspect trees near your sewer line
- Install a backwater valve
- Address slow drains before they become a larger problem
Sewage Backup in Denver? Call All Pro Restoration
Every hour counts.
Call 24/7 at 720-729-0002
