Black Water & Sewage Damage: What It Is and How We Handle It
Black water damage (Category 3 water) is the most dangerous type of water damage. It contains pathogens, bacteria, and raw sewage, and must be treated as a biohazard. At Vivid Water Damage & Restoration, we offer 24/7 emergency sewage cleanup throughout Salt Lake City and surrounding areas.
What Is Black Water?
Black water is highly contaminated water from sources such as:
- Sewage backups
- Floodwaters from rivers or streets
- Storm surge or groundwater intrusion
- Long-standing water that has degraded into Category 3
Why Black Water Is Dangerous
Black water often contains harmful substances, including:
- Fecal matter and urine
- Viruses, bacteria, and parasites
- Pesticides, heavy metals, or other environmental toxins
Direct contact or inhalation can cause serious illness. Cleanup must follow strict IICRC S500 Category 3 water damage protocols.
Our Black Water & Sewage Cleanup Process
- Hazard Assessment: We identify affected areas and materials, following safety and containment protocols.
- Extraction: Powerful pumps and vacuums remove contaminated water fast. Learn about extraction
- Disposal: Contaminated materials like carpet and drywall are safely removed and disposed of.
- Sanitization: We use hospital-grade disinfectants on all surfaces.
- Odor Removal: We eliminate foul odors using ozone or hydroxyl generators.
- Reconstruction: We rebuild damaged areas and restore your property.
Common Signs of Black Water Damage
- Toilets overflowing with waste
- Strong sewage odor in your home
- Dark-colored water pooling in basements or floors
- Health symptoms like nausea or breathing issues
Serving Salt Lake City & All Nearby Areas
We provide expert black water and sewage damage cleanup in:
Don’t attempt to clean up black water yourself. It’s hazardous and requires protective equipment, protocols, and professional disinfection.
Call Vivid Water Damage & Restoration at 385-289-3885 or request emergency cleanup online now.