In late February of 2025, the Lopez family living in Sunnyvale experienced an emergency they weren’t prepared for. On a rainy Saturday evening, their basement was flooding, but it wasn’t just water. Raw sewage was backing up through their floor drain, bringing a foul odor and hazardous waste. They quickly evacuated everyone from the basement and called a sewage cleanup company in Sunnyvale. A professional team arrived within a couple of hours, assessed the damage, and began the cleaning and sanitizing process.
Although this situation is shocking to many, it is not uncommon. Sewage backups are a common occurrence, especially in older neighborhoods such as parts of Sunnyvale. Sewage backup can result from aged infrastructure, clogged lines, or stormwater overflow are emergencies that need immediate handling to protect not just your property but health and safety.
This blog educates Sunnyvale homeowners on the essentials of sewage backup cleanup, what causes it, what to do if it happens, and how professional cleanup services like One Call Services can resolve the issue and restore your home.
Common Reasons Sewage Backup Events Happen
Sewage water or wastewater is called “black water” and contains viruses, bacteria, and pathogens that classify it as one of the most hazardous types of water damage. Some reasons that cause sewers to back up include:
- Clogged Sewer Lines
Non-biodegradable materials, wipes, or grease buildup can cause actual blockages. - Tree Root Infiltration
Roots seek moisture and can grow into existing pipes, resulting in breakage and blockages. - Old or Broken Sewer Lines
Many homes in Sunnyvale, CA, have aging plumbing systems that are prone to cracks or collapse. - Heavy Rainfall or Flooding
Storm surges can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, causing sewage to be pushed back into a residential sewer connection.
Immediate Things to Do When a Sewer Backup Happens
When a sewer connection fails, time is crucial. Here are immediate steps homeowners should take:
- Evacuate the Area
It is vital to get everyone, including pets, away from the area. - Shut Off Electrical Power
If it is safe, shut off your electricity to reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire. - Call for Help
Call your local emergency sewage cleanup company in Sunnyvale. - Do Not Attempt Cleanup
Sewage is contaminated with pathogens. Unless you are trained and have personal protective equipment, do not attempt to clean or move belongings.
The Importance of Professional Sewage Cleanup
Not many people realize how complicated sewage cleanup is. The complication isn’t just due to the mess. Here are some key reasons to hire professionals:
- Eliminating Health Hazards
Professionals use industry-specific disinfectants and equipment to eliminate biological threats. - Proper Disposal of Waste
A certified team ensures that contaminated materials (like drywall, flooring, and insulation) are removed and taken to approved disposal sites. - Preventing Mold Growth
Mold thrives in damp environments. A professional drying and dehumidification process reduces future mold risks. - Insurance Claims
Many companies assist in documenting damage to support insurance claims and ease the recovery process.
What to Expect from Professional Sewage Cleanup Services in Sunnyvale
If you hire professionals, here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Emergency Response
A rapid response team will arrive quickly to deal with the crisis. A fast response limits contamination and secondary damage.
Step 2: Evaluation and Safety
Technicians assess the damage, locate the source of the backup, and secure the water supply if necessary. They wear protective gear, seal affected areas, and start mitigation.
Step 3: Extraction and Removal
Standing sewage will be extracted using vacuum trucks designed for hazardous waste. Contaminated materials (carpet, drywall, furniture) will be removed.
Step 4: Cleaning and Disinfection
After removal, affected surfaces are professionally cleaned and disinfected using antimicrobial solutions.
Step 5: Drying and Dehumidification
Drying equipment is used to eliminate moisture and prevent mold growth.
Step 6: Restoration
The final step restores your property to its pre-damage condition, which may include replacing drywall, repainting, or floor restoration.
Tips for Preventing Sewage Backups in Your Home
Prevention is the best strategy. Here are several proactive ways to avoid backups in your Sunnyvale home:
- Backwater Valve: Install a valve that allows sewage to exit your home but prevents it from returning.
- Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain: Grease hardens and causes clogs, so avoid draining it in the pipes, sinks, and drains.
- Regular Plumbing Inspections: Have your sewer lines inspected and cleaned periodically.
- Flush Only Flushables: Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet.
- Upgrade Old Pipes: Replace clay or cast-iron pipes with modern alternatives.
How to Choose a Company for Sewage Cleanup
If you search for sewage cleanup services near me, you’ll find many providers. Here’s how to narrow them down:
- Local Knowledge: Choose a company familiar with Sunnyvale’s infrastructure and protocols.
- 24/7 Availability: Sewage issues don’t follow business hours.
- Licensed & Insured: Ensure the company meets regulatory requirements.
- Customer Ratings: Look for consistent 5-star reviews.
When looking for a sewage cleanup company near me, prioritize expert technical knowledge, prompt service, and courteous customer support.
Real Recovery: What the Lopez Family Learned
Within three days of hiring professional sewage cleanup services, the Lopez family’s basement was fully restored. The team removed the sewage, sanitized the space, and helped the family navigate insurance paperwork.
Although the incident was highly stressful, it taught them to be prepared and to know whom to call in a catastrophic situation.
Conclusion: Act Fast, Don’t Wait- Rely on One Call Services
A sewage backup is more than a mess in your basement; it’s a health emergency, a safety hazard, and a threat to your home. If you experience a backup in Sunnyvale, don’t delay. The faster you start the process, the better your chances for a swift, safe recovery.
If you’re dealing with a current crisis or want to prevent an emergency, professional Sunnyvale sewage damage cleanup is available to help ensure your property is restored to a clean, safe, and structurally sound condition.
At One Call Services, we are the trusted providers of sewage cleanup services in Sunnyvale. For over two decades, our 24/7 rapid response team has restored homes and businesses affected by sewage, water, or mold damage. Our certified technicians stay up-to-date through ongoing education and use modern equipment and EPA-approved disinfectants to sanitize and restore your space.
One Call Services is just a call away, whether for an emergency or a preventive inspection, because your home and business deserve expert care. Contact us today to schedule a cleanup service.
