You flushed, and the shower drain in the basement started gurgling. Minutes later, raw sewage was coming up through the floor drain and both toilets. This is Category 3 blackwater, loaded with bacteria and viruses, and it is not something to mop up with household cleaners.
Free referral to independent, licensed and insured local pros. Zip codes served include 12095.

Sewage is a health hazard first and a water problem second. A Water Damage is a free referral service that connects you with independent, licensed and insured contractors near Johnstown who are equipped for Category 3 blackwater, including protective gear, containment, and hospital-grade disinfectants.
Crews wear disposable coveralls, nitrile gloves, rubber boots, eye protection, and respirators so pathogens do not leave the work area on their clothes.
Containment walls and HEPA filtration keep sewage odors and particles from spreading through the house.
Confirm license and insurance on arrival. Biohazard jobs should only go to properly insured pros.
You get a written estimate that covers removal, disinfection, and drying before work starts.

Proper sewage remediation is methodical. Contamination is removed, every surface is disinfected, and only then does drying begin.

Liquid sewage and solids are extracted with dedicated equipment and disposed of according to local rules, not dumped down another drain.
Anything porous that absorbed sewage, like carpet, drywall, and insulation, is removed and bagged.
Hard surfaces are scrubbed, then treated with EPA-registered disinfectants left on for the full contact time listed on the label.
After disinfection, HEPA air scrubbers and odor control treatments remove lingering sewage odor from the air and structure.
Cleanliness is checked, sometimes with ATP swab testing, before drying gets the area ready for rebuild.
Call +1-877-637-9008, describe where sewage is coming up, and confirm everyone has stopped using water in the house.
A local contractor calls back with an arrival window and reminds you to keep everyone away from the contaminated area.
The pro sets up containment, assesses how far contamination reached, and gives you a written estimate before removal begins.
Contaminated materials are removed, surfaces disinfected, odors treated, and the area dried. The contractor may recommend a plumber to clear or camera the main line.
Raw sewage is a health risk. Get a protected crew out fast.
Our main line backed up into the basement. They sealed it off, suited up, removed everything contaminated, and the smell was completely gone.
Carmen E.Main line backup, basementHonest about what had to be thrown away and why. I appreciated the explanation.
Steve R.Toilet overflow into finished roomI have little kids, so I was worried. They set up an air scrubber and plastic walls so nothing spread upstairs.
Jenna P.Sewage backup, family homeThey recommended a plumber to camera the line afterward. Turned out to be tree roots. Glad we found it.
Omar H.Recurring sewer backup

It is Category 3, meaning grossly contaminated. That category triggers full biohazard protocols.
Small, contained jobs may be fine. For large backups or vulnerable family members, staying elsewhere is often safer.
Tiny spills on tile may be manageable with protection. Anything soaked into carpet or walls should be handled by a pro.
Often only with a sewer backup add-on. Your agent can tell you what your policy includes.
Common causes include tree roots in the main line, grease buildup, collapsed or bellied pipes, and municipal sewer overloads during heavy rain.
No. We connect you with independent local pros. Verify their license and insurance before work starts.

Calls from Johnstown and zip codes such as 12095 are routed to local biohazard-equipped pros.
See nearby cities in the list below.
