Sewer Backup & Sewage Cleanup in Des Moines, IA

Why sewer backups happen in Des Moines-area homes

These are common causes, not a statement about any one property.

• Heavy rain

  Summer thunderstorms can overwhelm sewer lines and push water up through floor drains.

• Tree roots and grease

  Roots and buildup narrow the line until it backs up.

• Failed ejector or sump pumps

  A pump that stops during a storm or a power outage. See sump pump failure.

• Floor drains and basement toilets

  The lowest drain in the house is where a backup shows up first. See flooded basement cleanup.

What usually has to go

Category 3 water changes what can be saved.

• Carpet and pad that sewage soaked
• The lower part of drywall and wet insulation
• Porous belongings like upholstered furniture and cardboard boxes
• Hard surfaces like concrete, tile and many hard floors are usually cleaned and disinfected instead
• Belongings worth saving can be assessed: see contents recovery and pack-out

Sewer backups and insurance

Sewer backup is often a separate endorsement, not standard homeowners coverage. Here is the usual order.

1. 1

   Make the area safe and stop the source

   Shut off the water or wait for the fire department to release the building. Call 911 first for any fire, gas smell or electrical danger.

2. 2

   Call your insurance company

   Opening the claim early lets you ask what your carrier needs from you. Only your policy and adjuster can say what is covered.

3. 3

   Call Elite for a free inspection

   Our phone is answered 24/7. We look at what got wet or smoke-damaged and explain what it needs before any work is authorized.

4. 4

   Document as we go

   Photos, moisture readings and a written scope are kept for the job, which is the record your adjuster reviews.

5. 5

   Pick your repair contractor

   Once mitigation is done, the file goes to the contractor you choose.

You choose who does your repairs

Elite handles the emergency side: stopping further damage, drying and cleaning, and documenting the job. When it is time to rebuild, the choice of contractor is yours. Our photos, moisture logs and scope go to whichever contractor you pick, so nobody has to start from scratch.

• You are never required to use any particular repair contractor
• Your documentation goes with you: photos, moisture logs and a written scope
• Work is billed only if you approve it in a signed work authorization
• We're not a public adjuster, so we don't negotiate or settle claims

Sewer backup cleanup across the Des Moines metro

Our office is at 751 NE 46th Ave in Des Moines, and we serve homes and businesses across the metro and Central Iowa. Commercial buildings can also request a free pre-loss walkthrough.

• Des Moines
• West Des Moines
• Ankeny
• Urbandale
• Johnston
• Waukee
• Clive
• Grimes
• Altoona
• Pleasant Hill
• Norwalk
• Carlisle
• Indianola
• Winterset
• All areas