Septic Backup Cleanup in Utah County: What to Do

Reviewed by Tyler Bennett, Restoration Project Manager, IICRC WRT/ASD #291438, October 2026.

Short answer: A septic backup into the house is Category 3 wastewater, handled the same way as a sewer backup: stop using water, keep everyone away, and get it cleaned up under the IICRC S500 standard. 4Sure handles the cleanup inside the home, including removal of contaminated materials, antimicrobial treatment and drying. Your septic service company handles pumping and the tank itself.

Signs your septic system is backing up

• Slow drains throughout the house
• Gurgling in drains or toilets
• Wastewater coming up through the lowest drain or toilet
• Sewage odor inside or around the tank and drain field
• Wet or spongy ground over the drain field

What to do right now

1. Stop all water use: no flushing, laundry, dishwasher or showers.
2. Keep people and pets away from the wastewater.
3. Photograph the water and damage for insurance.
4. Call your septic service company about the tank.
5. Call 4Sure at (385) 247-9387 for cleanup inside the home.

How we clean up a septic backup

1. PPE and containment so contamination doesn’t spread.
2. Extraction of standing wastewater.
3. Removal of contaminated porous materials: carpet, pad, saturated drywall, insulation.
4. Cleaning and antimicrobial treatment of what stays.
5. Drying with dehumidifiers and air movers, with daily moisture readings.
6. Reconstruction under our 24-month workmanship warranty.

Preventing the next one

• Keep up with tank pumping on the schedule your septic company recommends.
• Keep grease, wipes and non-flushable items out of drains.
• Spread out laundry loads instead of running many in one day.
• Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off the drain field.

Common questions

Is a septic backup as dangerous as a sewer backup?

Yes. Septic wastewater is Category 3 under IICRC S500 and carries the same bacteria and viruses. Keep people and pets away.

Do you pump septic tanks?

4Sure handles the cleanup inside the home. Call your septic service company for pumping and tank or drain field work.

What causes septic backups?

Common causes are a full tank that is overdue for pumping, a clogged line between the house and the tank, a saturated drain field after heavy rain or snowmelt, and flushing items that don’t break down.

Does insurance cover septic backup damage?

It depends on the policy. Many policies treat backups through drains the same way as sewer backups and cover them only with a backup endorsement. We review your policy with you before work starts.