CAT-3 & Sewage Cleanup
Contaminated water and sewage backup cleanup with safety-first protocols, documentation, and structural drying. Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and requires specialized handling per IICRC S500 standards—we assess contamination, remove affected materials, disinfect surfaces, and dry the structure to prevent secondary damage.
What to Expect - The Georgia Born Way
Our proven:
CAT-3 & Sewage Cleanup Process
Contaminated water requires strict safety protocols from the first visit. Our team follows IICRC standards to remove contamination, dry the structure, and document every step.
Safety Assessment
Evaluate contamination level, establish safe work zones, and identify affected materials.
Containment & Removal
Remove contaminated porous materials and treat affected structural surfaces.
Cleaning & Disinfection
Apply appropriate antimicrobial and cleaning protocols per IICRC S500.
Drying & Documentation
Structural drying with detailed scope and condition documentation.
Rebuild Planning
Plan restoration of removed flooring, drywall, and finishes.
Welcome Back Home
Your home is restored and ready—welcome back!
Common scenarios we handle
Understanding:
Category 3 Water Sources
Different contamination sources share CAT-3 classification but may require tailored remediation approaches. Understanding the source helps set expectations for cleanup scope.
Sewage Backup
Wastewater from sewer lines, drain backups, or septic failures. Contains bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens requiring full containment and disposal protocols.
Toilet Overflow
Overflow from toilets containing fecal matter and urine. Even small volumes can contaminate porous materials and require professional remediation.
Drain & Pipe Backup
Backflow from floor drains, washing machine standpipes, or main line blockages. Contamination spreads quickly across flooring and into wall cavities.
Flood Contamination
Floodwater from rivers, streams, or ground saturation that carries silt, chemicals, and biological contaminants into the structure.
What to do while waiting for help (& not do)
Quick actions can help minimize damage and keep you safe
Safe actions
- 1Evacuate affected areas and keep people and pets away from contamination
- 2Turn off electricity to affected areas if safe to access the panel
- 3Shut off water supply if a plumbing failure is still active
- 4Contact a professional CAT-3 cleanup company immediately
- 5Take photos from outside the affected area for documentation
- 6Notify your insurance company about the sewage or contaminated water loss
Avoid these mistakes
- 1Do not touch or walk through contaminated water without proper protection
- 2Do not attempt to clean sewage with household disinfectants or bleach alone
- 3Do not run fans or HVAC that may spread contamination to unaffected areas
- 4Do not dispose of contaminated materials in regular household trash
- 5Do not use carpet, rugs, or upholstered furniture that contacted sewage
- 6Do not delay cleanup—contamination worsens and spreads within hours
Timeline expectations
Every situation is unique, but these general timelines help set expectations.
Small bathroom or localized backup with minimal material removal
Multiple rooms affected, flooring and baseboard removal, structural drying required
Whole-floor or basement contamination, significant material removal and rebuild scope
Why professional restoration matters
Professional restoration protects your property, your health, and your investment. DIY approaches can increase damage and safety risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sewage and Category 3 water contain harmful contaminants. Avoid contact and call for professional cleanup immediately.
Category 3 water is grossly contaminated water including sewage, floodwater from external sources, and other highly unsanitary water.
Yes. We provide detailed documentation of contamination, remediation scope, and completed work. We are not public adjusters and do not provide insurance or claim-settlement advice.
Often temporary relocation is recommended for affected areas. Containment procedures may allow occupants to remain in unaffected portions of the property depending on contamination extent.
Porous materials that contacted Category 3 water—carpet, pad, drywall at affected heights, insulation, and upholstered items—typically require removal. Non-porous surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected.
Immediately. Contamination spreads through capillary action and aerosolization. The sooner extraction and remediation begin, the more structure and contents can be salvaged.
Prevention tips
Stay prepared and reduce your risk
24/7 emergency response
Need Sewage or CAT-3 Cleanup?
Contaminated water is a health emergency. Our team responds with safety-first protocols and clear documentation from day one.