Sewage Cleanup in Littleton, CO

If sewage is coming up through a drain, toilet, or tub, take these steps in order:

1. Keep people and pets out of the affected area

   Avoid contact with the water, and wash hands thoroughly after any exposure.

2. Stop adding water to the system

   Hold off on flushing, running sinks, showers, and the washing machine until the backup is resolved.

3. Avoid electrical equipment that is wet or standing in the water

4. Find out where the blockage is

   The City of Littleton lists its sewer emergency and maintenance contacts on its sewer backup page (opens in a new tab), and city staff check the main line for a blockage.

5. If the blockage is in your own pipe, a plumber is the next call

   City staff may not clear blockages inside a homeowner's service line, according to the city, so that job goes to a plumbing or sewer contractor.

6. Photograph the damage and contact your insurer right away

7. Contact us about cleanup

   Treat it as an emergency, since sewage is a health risk.

The City of Littleton does not endorse any company and encourages property owners to get quotes from a few. The city's sewer backup page says that, at a minimum, cleanup should include:

• Wet-vacuuming or removal of spillage
• Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant
• Flushing out and disinfecting plumbing fixtures
• Steam cleaning or removing wet carpets or drapes
• Repairing or removing damaged wallboard or wall covering
• Cleanup of ductwork

When you compare quotes, check how each one covers these items.

1. Contain and Protect

   Work begins with protective setup, and the affected area is separated from clean parts of the property so the contamination stays where it is.

2. Remove the Wastewater

   The first job is pulling out standing sewage and wastewater with water extraction and removal, so no more of it seeps into floors and walls.

3. Clean and Disinfect

   Hard surfaces are washed and disinfected, and soaked porous materials that cannot be cleaned are removed and sealed in heavy plastic bags for disposal.

4. Dry and Deodorize

   Once the area is clean, structural drying and dehumidification removes the moisture that feeds odors and microbial growth.

The state bulletin notes that drying can take several weeks in an enclosed area such as a basement or crawl space, and that microorganisms keep growing as long as humidity stays high. A musty odor means that growth is continuing. This is why sewage cleanup does not end when the area looks clean, and why the drying step is checked with readings and not by smell or touch.

Littleton City Code makes the property owner responsible for the sewer service line, meaning the pipe that runs from the main under the street to the building, including the stretch beneath the street or right of way. The city notes that homes built since the early 1980s are likely to have plastic service lines, although that does not mean problems cannot occur. City utility staff check the city's main line and clear a blockage there, but they are not allowed to clear one inside a homeowner's service line. Some addresses are served by a sanitation district (opens in a new tab) instead, so the responsible agency depends on where you live. The city suggests a video inspection if you do not know the age or condition of your service line.

These habits, drawn from the city's guidance, lower the odds:

• Pour grease into a container and put it in the trash, not down the drain
• Flush only toilet paper, and put all wipes, diapers, and hygiene products in the trash
• Do not connect sump pumps or French drains to the sewer
• Replace an aging or root-damaged service line, with a video inspection to check its condition

Scope follows how much sewage entered, how many rooms it reached, what materials it soaked, and how long it sat. Carpet, padding, and drywall add removal steps. No prices are shown here, because pricing starts with an assessment.