Services
Sewer Backup Cleanup
Sewage coming up through a floor drain, toilet or shower is contaminated water, and everything it touches needs careful handling. DKI Central Alberta extracts it, removes what can’t be saved, cleans and disinfects, and dries your home or business, 24/7 across Red Deer and Central Alberta.
Sewer backup cleanup in Red Deer and Central Alberta
The City of Red Deer warns that during heavy rain the storm sewer, and sometimes the sanitary sewer, can become overloaded and force water back into a property’s service line. A loose or missing cap on a backwater valve or cleanout, a failed valve, a plugged line between the house and the main, or a sump pump that can’t keep up with weeping tile water can all end with sewage on the basement floor.
In Red Deer, the property owner is responsible for the sewer line between the building and the property line, and the City’s Utility Bylaw requires plumbing fixtures and floor drains below ground level to be protected by an approved backwater valve. If sewage is backing up, the City asks residents to call 403-342-8750 first, then a plumber.
Common causes we see:
Storm and sanitary sewers overloaded by heavy rain
Failed, missing or uncapped backwater valves
Blockages between the house and the City main
Sump pump and weeping tile failures
Grease, roots and debris in the sewer line
Why sewage needs professional cleanup
Restoration companies classify sewage as Category 3 water under the IICRC S500 standard: water that is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. The standard calls for contamination controls and worker protection, and for remediation to happen before drying starts.
Health Canada warns of a real danger of infection from handling sewage-contaminated water and materials, and says children, pregnant women and people with respiratory problems should never handle them. Porous materials that sewage soaks, such as carpet, underlay, drywall and insulation, usually have to be removed and disposed of properly.
Our sewer backup cleanup process:
Confirm the source is stopped and the area is safe
Extract sewage and standing water
Remove contaminated carpet, drywall and insulation
Clean and disinfect every affected surface
Dry with monitored equipment
Deodorize and document everything for your insurer
Sewer backup and insurance
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, damage from sewers and drains backing up is typically not covered by a standard home policy, but optional sewer backup coverage is offered by most insurers. Check your policy before you need it, and report a backup to your insurer as soon as you can.
If you believe the City’s sewer caused the backup, the City of Red Deer says to call your insurer first; a written claim to the City must be received within 30 days. Read our insurance claims guide and our sewer backup cost guide for more detail.
Before our crew arrives:
Stop using sinks, toilets, showers and appliances
Keep children, pets and anyone vulnerable away
Turn off power to wet areas only if it’s safe
Photograph the damage for your insurer
Call your insurer, and the City if you’re in Red Deer
Sewer backup questions
What should I do first when sewage backs up into my basement?
Stop using water in the house, keep people and pets away, and stay out of standing sewage. In Red Deer, call the City at 403-342-8750 and a plumber, then your insurer. Call us to start cleanup the same day, because contaminated materials and moisture get worse with every hour.
Can I clean up a small sewer backup myself?
Health Canada warns of a real danger of infection from sewage, and says children, pregnant women and people with respiratory problems should never handle sewage-contaminated water or materials. Anything porous that sewage touched usually has to be removed. For more than a small, hard-surface spill, call a professional.
Does home insurance cover sewer backup?
Not under a standard policy, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, but most insurers offer optional sewer backup coverage. Check your policy wording and limits, and report the damage to your insurer right away.
What can be saved after a sewer backup?
Hard, non-porous items can usually be cleaned and disinfected. Carpet, underlay, insulation, drywall that soaked up water, mattresses and upholstered furniture usually can’t. Our contents restoration team can tell you what’s worth cleaning.
Do I need a backwater valve in Red Deer?
Red Deer’s Utility Bylaw requires plumbing fixtures and floor drains below ground level to be protected by an approved backwater valve, and the City recommends having a plumber install one on each line. Keep the valve clean and its covers tight; the City warns that removing covers during a storm will let water into your basement.
DKI Central Alberta Offers...
At DKI Central Alberta, we know that dealing with property damage is overwhelming—that’s why our franchisees are ready to respond 24/7, every day of the year. With over 30 years of industry experience and IICRC-certified experts, we bring the knowledge, speed, and care needed to restore your home or business efficiently. From the moment you call, a dedicated Project Manager will guide you through the process, keeping you informed every step of the way. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality results while providing the compassion and support you need to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Quick Mobilization
24/7 emergency restoration and board-up services available 365 days a year.
Expertise
Fully trained and certified IICRC staff and more than 30 years of industry experience.
Strong Communication
A project Manager assigned to your claim from start to finish, updating you throughout the process.
Quality Assurance
Making sure you are happy with the final result of the work done and standing behind the work we do.
Compassionate Team
We understand how hard the situation is and our team will do what we can to get you back to normal sooner.
Have An Emergency?
Call Us Right Away
24/7 Emergency Line
(403) 224-0350