When a local insurance agency we partner with contacted us about a sewage intrusion in a homeowner’s crawlspace, our team at PuroClean of Central Denver responded immediately. Sewage losses, classified as Category 3 water under the IICRC S500 Standard, are among the most hazardous types of property damage. They contain harmful microorganisms, toxins, and contaminants that require strict safety protocols and specialized cleaning procedures.

Below is a breakdown of what we found, what we did, and how we restored the property using industry-approved methods.

What We Found Upon Arrival

During inspection, our certified technicians discovered:

🔍 1. Source of Loss

A leak from the main sewage drain line had released contaminated water throughout the crawlspace. Because the water originated from a sewage system, it was immediately classified as Category 3, requiring full protective equipment and controlled remediation.

🔍 2. Affected Materials

• Vapor Barrier: Approximately 50% contaminated and needing removal.
• Wood Framing (Ceiling): Localized areas affected (around 2×2 ft).
• Relative Humidity: Elevated at ~61%, increasing the risk of secondary damage such as microbial growth.

🔍 3. Required Remediation Equipment

Based on industry standards and moisture readings, the job required:

• 1 Air Filtration Device (AFD) with HEPA filtration
• 1 Low-Grain Dehumidifier (LGD)
• 4–6 Air Movers (AMs)
  This setup ensures proper drying, humidity control, and contamination reduction.

How PuroClean Performed the Cleanup (Industry Standard Procedure)

Our team followed strict IICRC S500 Category 3 water mitigation guidelines.

1. Safety First — PPE & Containment

All technicians wore full PPE, including:

• Full protective suits
• Gloves
• Respirators
• Eye protection

We established a safe work zone to prevent cross-contamination into the living areas.

2. Removal of Contaminated Materials

Our two-technician crew completed roughly 6 hours of demo, which included:

✔ Removing 50% of the contaminated vapor barrier

Saturated vapor barrier cannot be disinfected and must be removed to allow access to the soil and framing below.

✔ Cleaning and drying the affected wood framing

The 2×2 ft contaminated section of wood framing was:

• HEPA vacuumed
• Wet-cleaned
• Treated with an EPA-registered antimicrobial
• Dried using targeted airflow

This step eliminates harmful bacteria and slows the potential growth of mold.

3. Deep Cleaning the Crawlspace

Once debris and damaged materials were removed, our team performed a full Category 3 cleanup:

✔ HEPA Vacuuming

All accessible surfaces were HEPA vacuumed to remove dried organic matter and airborne contaminants.

✔ Antimicrobial Application

We applied an industry-approved antimicrobial to sanitize the crawlspace and reduce microbial activity.

✔ Wipe-Down & Detail Cleaning

Every impacted surface was hand-cleaned to restore cleanliness and safety.

4. Professional Drying Setup

After cleaning, we installed:

• 1 AFD to scrub contaminants from the air
• 1 LGD to pull moisture from the environment
• 4–6 air movers to accelerate evaporation

This setup stabilized the relative humidity and brought the crawlspace to dry standard.

5. Reinstallation of the Vapor Barrier

Once drying reached acceptable moisture levels, we returned to:

✔ Install a new vapor barrier (50%)

This step—taking approximately 4 hours—protects the crawlspace from future humidity issues and improves overall home air quality.

Customer Satisfaction

The insured was extremely satisfied with our:

• Fast response
• Transparent communication
• High-quality cleanup
• Professional restoration of a dangerous sewage loss

They expressed relief knowing their home was restored according to strict industry guidelines and that the crawlspace was safe again.

Why Homeowners & Insurance Agents Trust PuroClean of Central Denver

When handling a sewage intrusion, cutting corners isn’t an option. Only a certified mitigation team can:

✔ Ensure the job is safe
✔ Remove health hazards
✔ Prevent long-term structural or microbial issues
✔ Restore the crawlspace properly

PuroClean of Central Denver follows the highest standards in the industry, delivering fast, dependable, and professional service every time. We are here to help