Category 3 Black Water Extraction Nationwide

Category 3 Black Water: What the Crew Handles

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated. Sewage, toilet overflow past the trap, river flooding and some storm water can carry viruses, bacteria and parasites.

Crews handle contaminated flood water cleanup, toilet black water cleanup and Category 3 water damage anywhere in the home. Porous materials soaked by black water are removed. Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned and sanitized.

Do not wait, and do not clean it yourself. Call USA Water Extraction Pros at (888) 902-1696, 24/7.

• Water category: Category 3, grossly contaminated
• Usually removed: Carpet, pad, insulation, drywall, particleboard
• Drying class: Class 2 to 3, after removal
• Typical dry-out: Four to seven days after cleanup

Signs You Have Category 3 Water

• Water with a sewage smell or visible waste
• A toilet, tub or floor drain backing up
• River, creek or street flood water inside the home
• Dark, cloudy or discolored standing water
• Water that sat on materials for more than two days

How a Crew Handles Black Water

1. Protect and contain

   Technicians put on protective gear and seal off the work zone so contamination stays in place.

2. Extract the water

   The extraction crew pumps and vacuums the water out, working from the clean side toward the source.

3. Remove and bag

   Carpet, pad, insulation and drywall touched by the water are cut out and bagged for disposal.

4. Sanitize and dry

   Remaining surfaces get an EPA-registered antimicrobial at its dwell time, then air movers and dehumidifiers dry the structure.

What to Do Before the Crew Arrives

• Stay out of the water and keep children and pets away.
• Do not use sinks, tubs or toilets if drains are backing up.
• Switch off power to wet areas only if the panel is dry and you can reach it safely.
• Leave the heating and cooling system off if water reached ducts or the air handler.
• Photograph the water and the damage from a safe distance.

What to Expect From the Crew

• Full protocols

  The crew treats Category 3 as Category 3 from the start, with protective gear and containment.

• Nothing porous kept

  Porous materials that sewage touched are removed, which is the safe standard for black water.

• Documented for the claim

  Photos, material lists and category notes are kept for the adjuster.

What Does Black Water Extraction Cost?

Category 3 water extraction and cleanup typically runs about $3,500 to $15,000, because porous materials come out and surfaces are sanitized.

• One small area: $2,500 to $5,000. Extraction, removal and sanitizing.
• A basement or several rooms: $5,000 to $12,000. More removal and drying.
• Whole-level sewage or river flood: $10,000 to $25,000. Extensive removal and long drying.

What changes the price

• Square feet touched by the water
• Porous materials that must be removed
• Depth and how long it sat
• Source: sewage or floodwater

For a rough number, try the water extraction cost calculator.

Insurance Records for Category 3 Black Water Extraction

Renters sit under a different arrangement. The landlord's policy usually protects the building, and the tenant's renters policy protects belongings. Each side should call its own carrier soon after the water shows up.

Coverage depends on your policy, so check with your own insurer.

Category 3 Black Water Extraction by City

Busy cities for this service. Every town has its own page.

• Houston, TX
• Sacramento, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Atlanta, GA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Chicago, IL
• San Antonio, TX
• Phoenix, AZ
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Charlotte, NC
• San Diego, CA
• Austin, TX

Category 3 Black Water Extraction by State

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington DC
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Related Water Damage Services

• Gray Water Extraction

  Cleanup and drying after washer, dishwasher, sink and tub water that is no longer clean but not sewage.

• Mobile and Manufactured Home Water Extraction

  Extraction and drying built for mobile and manufactured homes, including the belly, floor decking and ceilings.

• Condo Water Extraction

  Extraction and drying for condo units hit by leaks from above, beside or inside shared walls.

• Apartment Flood Water Extraction

  Extraction and drying for apartments flooded by upstairs neighbors, shared pipes or building leaks.

• Rental Property Water Extraction

  Extraction and drying for rental houses, duplexes and apartment units, with records for owners and managers.

• Vacant and Vacation Home Water Extraction

  Extraction and drying for second homes, cabins and empty houses where a pipe leak or freeze ran unseen.

Every water extraction service