Sewage backups, toilet overflows, and flood water that's picked up ground contamination all fall into what the IICRC S500 standard classifies as Category 3, or "black water" — water containing pathogens that requires different handling than a clean burst-pipe leak. We treat these calls with the appropriate PPE, containment, and disposal protocols, removing porous materials that contacted contaminated water rather than attempting to clean and save them.
This is a common call after storm surge and heavy flooding in Tampa, since floodwater picks up contamination from streets, storm drains, and septic or sewer system backflow well before it reaches a home. It's also a routine (non-storm) issue when a main sewer line backs up into a slab-on-grade home with nowhere for the water to go but the living space.
After contaminated materials are removed, we disinfect affected surfaces and verify the space is safe before beginning structural drying.
📞 Call 772-291-5749