Encore Construction is a family-owned restoration contractor serving residential and commercial properties in Seattle and surrounding King, Snohomish, Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties since 2015. We provide 24/7 emergency sewage cleanup, water extraction, and restoration coordination for properties affected by sewage backups.
Recognizing the signs of a sewage backup early can help prevent further damage and reduce exposure to harmful pathogens. Common warning signs include foul odors, wastewater in sinks, toilets or floor drains, discolored flooring, and repeated toilet overflows. Sewage, also known as black water in many restoration contexts, can pose serious health risks. Porous materials exposed to sewage may require removal rather than cleaning and reuse.
Common causes of sewer problems include clogged drains, damaged sewer lines and other plumbing problems. Keep people and pets away from contaminated water and contact a qualified plumbing professional to address the source. Drain cleaning resolves blockages, while professional sewage cleanup services address contaminated materials, thorough cleanup and proper waste disposal.
Encore addresses sewage backup losses through water extraction, cleanup and sanitization, moisture assessment, drying and selective removal of damaged materials. Contents handling and reconstruction are coordinated where included in the written scope.
We don't perform sewer line repair, drain unblocking, septic pumping or pipe replacement. A licensed plumber must control and confirm the source before restoration can proceed safely.
For commercial properties, we coordinate written authorizations, staged access, occupant safety measures, and phased work to reduce operational disruption where practicable. Uninterrupted business operations cannot be guaranteed.
Raw sewage can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, making contamination assessment, access controls, and material decisions essential. Cleanup must address affected areas, not just visible standing water. Specialized equipment may be needed to decontaminate the area, depending on the conditions. Cleaning methods and products are selected according to the materials involved and product instructions. The goal is to help restore a safe and habitable environment, although not every item can be salvaged.
We respond 24/7 to secure the area, restrict access, and identify electrical, structural, and occupant safety hazards. A qualified electrician must handle electrical reconnection. Encore documents site conditions for insurance claims.
A qualified plumbing professional addresses the sewer problem. Our team coordinates restoration access and timing once the source has been controlled. Plumbing repairs and sewage cleanup are separate scopes of work.
Technicians remove standing water, sewage, and solid waste using appropriate equipment and safe handling procedures. Porous materials are assessed for removal or potential salvage, and affected contents are inventoried as needed.
Suitable surfaces are cleaned and sanitized using appropriate methods and products. Advanced equipment may help detect moisture in concealed areas. We document moisture readings and drying progress with measurements and photos.
Once cleanup and drying are complete, necessary repairs or reconstruction are outlined in a written scope. Encore can coordinate mitigation, contents handling and storage, and reconstruction when included in the contract, providing one point of contact throughout the project.
Sewage contamination requires an item-by-item assessment. Non-porous surfaces, such as tile or sealed concrete, can often be cleaned and sanitized, while porous materials like drywall, insulation, and carpet padding may require removal. Contents are evaluated individually to determine whether they can be cleaned and salvaged. Some textiles, electronics, and artwork may not be recoverable.
| Material | Typical Cleanup Decision | Potential Repair Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed tile or non-porous flooring | Clean and sanitize where appropriate | Grout or seal repairs, if needed |
| Carpet and padding | Assess for contamination and removal | Flooring replacement and subfloor assessment |
| Drywall and fibrous insulation | Remove when contaminated and unsuitable for cleaning | Drywall replacement and framing repairs, if needed |
| Furniture and textiles | Inventory and assess for cleaning and salvage | Specialized restoration or replacement |
Active drying often takes 3–5 days, depending on the materials affected and moisture conditions. Sewage cleanup projects may take longer, depending on the extent of contamination and necessary repairs. Encore documents moisture readings and photo evidence throughout the drying process. Contaminated materials that cannot be safely cleaned may need to be removed to help remediate the affected area and protect your home from ongoing damage. A thorough cleanup also helps address contamination before repairs begin.
Encore provides a free initial restoration assessment and estimate. Insurance coverage is determined by the insurer. The estimate outlines the proposed extraction, cleanup, selective removal, drying, and reconstruction work, where applicable. Work begins after authorization for the agreed restoration tasks.
Stopping the source is the first step, but sewage contains contaminants that can penetrate building materials. Professional assessment helps identify affected areas, document the damage for insurance purposes, and ensure safe handling and proper disposal of contaminated materials. We do not recommend DIY cleanup after sewage exposure.
Licensed plumbers handle sewer line repairs. Encore coordinates restoration access and documents the damage, but we do not perform sewer repairs or drain unblocking.
Contents are assessed individually. Some non-porous items can be cleaned and returned, while porous textiles and items exposed to sewage for extended periods may need replacement. Encore inventories, packs, stores, and returns contents when included in the agreed scope, documenting salvage decisions for insurance purposes.
We document drying progress with moisture readings, photos, and thermal imaging where applicable. A project manager reviews the measurements to determine whether the established drying goals have been met.
Coverage depends on the policy and the cause of the damage. Encore provides a detailed estimate, photos, and documentation to support the claim, but the insurer determines coverage. Any applicable deductible remains the policyholder’s responsibility.
Encore coordinates work with property managers and owners to reduce disruption where safe and practical. Access controls and safety measures may be necessary in occupied commercial spaces, and uninterrupted operations cannot be guaranteed. Written authorization and scheduling help manage the work.
The initial restoration assessment documents site conditions, moisture readings, and the proposed work. Any separate specialist services and associated costs should be agreed upon before they are arranged.
Seattle office: 221 1st Ave W STE 200, Seattle, WA 98119. Main office and warehouse: 20611 67th Ave NE C, Arlington, WA 98223. Encore is a restoration company committed to following industry standards and providing clear communication throughout the restoration process.
Call to request emergency assistance or schedule a free assessment. Our team will assess the damage, document site conditions, and prepare a written scope and work authorization. For more information about our services, visit the Contacts page.
