Sewage-related water damage is one of the more involved categories of water loss a homeowner can face. Beyond the visible moisture, the presence of waste material introduces health concerns and persistent odor that require a structured, multi-step response. This case study documents the work Crew Restoration & Construction performed for Wanda in Parker, SD in April 2025.
“Arrived on site and observed that approximately 20 gallons of sewage had affected the property, causing a strong odor throughout the home. All moisture appeared to be gone, aside from a small puddle. Plan includes removing sludge and waste, thoroughly washing floors using the van system, and disposing of damaged contents. Air scrubbers and deodorization equipment will be brought in to address odor concerns. Homeowner also requested a separate estimate for repairs to the affected wall.”
, from the Crew project notes
Project at a Glance
- Location: Parker, SD
- Service: Water Damage Restoration (sewage)
- Completed: April 2025
Why Sewage Cleanup Requires More Than Drying
When a loss involves sewage, the work goes well beyond extracting standing water. Sewage is classified as Category 3 water, meaning it carries bacteria and other contaminants that can remain on surfaces even after visible moisture is gone. On a typical loss like this, the first priority is removing all solid waste and sludge before any cleaning or drying equipment is introduced. Leaving organic material behind would compromise every step that follows.
The project notes reference washing floors using a van system, which refers to a truck-mounted extraction and cleaning unit. In general practice, these systems deliver pressurized hot water and simultaneously vacuum the waste back into a sealed holding tank in the vehicle. This approach is more thorough than portable equipment for contaminated surfaces because it removes both the cleaning solution and the contaminants it has loosened, rather than leaving them to dry in place.
Disposal of damaged contents is also a standard part of sewage cleanup. Porous materials, including certain flooring layers, insulation, and soft goods, that have been contacted by Category 3 water are typically removed rather than cleaned, because contaminants can penetrate deeply enough that surface cleaning alone cannot make them safe.
Odor Control: Air Scrubbers and Deodorization
Strong odor throughout a home is a reliable sign that airborne contaminants have spread beyond the immediate loss area. The project notes indicate that air scrubbers and deodorization equipment were part of the planned response for Wanda’s home, which reflects standard practice for sewage events.
Air scrubbers pull room air through a series of filters, including HEPA filtration, to capture particulates and reduce airborne contamination. They run continuously during the remediation process and are typically left in place until air quality readings confirm the space is within acceptable limits. Deodorization treatments address odor compounds that have absorbed into surfaces, using agents that neutralize rather than simply mask the smell. On a typical sewage loss, both tools are used together because neither alone is sufficient: scrubbers address the air column while deodorization treatments address the surfaces.
The homeowner’s request for a separate wall repair estimate is also consistent with how sewage losses often unfold. Affected wall assemblies may need to be opened to confirm that contamination did not wick up into the cavity, and any structural repairs are generally scoped after the remediation phase is complete so the full picture of damage is known.
Facing a Similar Situation in Parker or the Surrounding Area?
Sewage and water damage events move quickly, and the response plan matters. If you are dealing with a loss in Parker, SD or anywhere in the region, Crew Restoration & Construction is available to assess the situation and walk you through next steps. Call the team at (605) 965-2727 or email [email protected] to get started.