Open: 24 hours
3580 Polaris Ave #17, Las Vegas, NV 89103
© 2025 Active Plumbing Inc
Decontamination of Plumbing-Affected Areas in Las Vegas, NV
Had a serious plumbing leak or sewage backup classified as Category 3 water (“black water”)? Decontamination of plumbing-affected areas (Category 3 water) focuses on safely removing gross contamination, cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces, and supporting full restoration efforts for homes and businesses in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, and nearby communities.
✓ Licensed local pros: Plumbing, cleanup, and root-cause repair options in one call.
✓ Category 3 (black water) events: Sewage, heavily contaminated drain water, and plumbing-related flooding.
✓ Health-focused decontamination: Remove gross contaminants and apply targeted disinfection to affected areas.
✓ Support for restoration teams: We stabilize and sanitize plumbing-affected zones so mitigation/rebuild can move forward.
✓ Licensed local pros
✓ Category 3 (black water) events
✓ Support for restoration teams
✓ Health-focused decontamination
What our Clients think about us
Your satisfaction is our priority.
What Is Category 3 Water Decontamination (Plumbing-Related)?
In IICRC terms, Category 3 water (“black water”) includes:
Sewage backups and overflows
Heavily contaminated drain water from floor drains, toilets, or main line backups
Some forms of plumbing-related flooding that contact sewage or grossly unsanitary materials
Our plumbing-focused decontamination includes:
Stopping the source of contamination by clearing or isolating the plumbing problem
Extracting and removing grossly contaminated water and solids from accessible areas
Cleaning and disinfecting salvageable hard surfaces (floors, fixtures, certain walls and surfaces)
Identifying where porous or structural materials likely need removal and specialized restoration
We help get you from “actively contaminated and dangerous” to “cleaned, disinfected, and ready for full mitigation work.”
Why Choose Active Plumbing
Plumbing-first decontamination: We address both the contamination and the plumbing cause (main line, branch line, or fixture failure).
Category 3 awareness: We understand Category 3 (black water) standards—treating affected zones as high-risk contamination, not just “dirty water.”
Part of a larger recovery plan: We stabilize and sanitize plumbing-affected areas and coordinate well with restoration/mitigation companies for structural drying and rebuild.
Documentation-ready: We can provide basic notes and photos to support insurance or property management claims.
Licensed & insured: Nevada License #0047021, trusted by homeowners, landlords, HOAs, and small businesses across the Las Vegas valley since 1991.
Immediate Actions (What to Do Now)
In IICRC terms, Category 3 water (“black water”) includes:
Sewage backups and overflows
Heavily contaminated drain water from floor drains, toilets, or main line backups
Some forms of plumbing-related flooding that contact sewage or grossly unsanitary materials
Our plumbing-focused decontamination includes:
Stopping the source of contamination by clearing or isolating the plumbing problem
Extracting and removing grossly contaminated water and solids from accessible areas
Cleaning and disinfecting salvageable hard surfaces (floors, fixtures, certain walls and surfaces)
Identifying where porous or structural materials likely need removal and specialized restoration
We help get you from “actively contaminated and dangerous” to “cleaned, disinfected, and ready for full mitigation work.”
Common Situations Where Category 3 Decontamination Makes Sense
A sewer main backup floods a lower level, bathroom, or utility space with sewage or black water.
Multiple fixtures back up with foul, contaminated water that spills onto floors and surrounding surfaces.
A long-standing or heavy backup soaks baseboards, bottom cabinets, or lower walls.
A commercial bathroom, kitchen, or laundry experiences a Category 3 event with risk to staff and customers.
You’re working with a restoration company or insurer and need a plumbing specialist to decontaminate and correct the cause.
Safety, Contamination & Scope Assessment
We evaluate where Category 3 water has gone, assess health and electrical risks, and identify which rooms, materials, and fixtures are involved. We discuss what we’ll handle vs what may fall under restoration contractors.
Stop the Source & Stabilize the Plumbing System
We locate the clog, break, or failure causing the contamination and use professional equipment to stop further Category 3 water from entering the building—through the main line, branch lines, or specific fixtures.
Extraction of Category 3 Water & Gross Contaminants
We remove standing sewage and highly contaminated water, plus visible solids and debris from affected areas. This reduces exposure, odor, and risk so deeper cleaning and mitigation can succeed.
Cleaning, Disinfection & Surface Decontamination
We clean and disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces (like tile, sealed concrete, select vinyl, and fixtures) within the contaminated zone using appropriate disinfectants and methods suited for Category 3 water.
Material Assessment & Restoration Recommendations
We identify porous materials and structural components (carpet, pad, drywall, insulation, cabinets, trim, certain flooring) that may need removal or professional mitigation, and we coordinate findings with you and any restoration contractors.
Final Review, Documentation & Plumbing Follow-Up Plan
We explain what caused the event, what decontamination steps we performed, and what repairs, upgrades, or maintenance are recommended to prevent recurrence. We can provide basic documentation for owners, property managers, or insurers.
What’s Included
A typical plumbing-affected Category 3 water decontamination project may include:
On-site assessment of Category 3-affected areas and safety conditions
Plumbing work to stop the source (clearing clogs, isolating lines, basic emergency corrections)
Extraction and removal of grossly contaminated water and solids from accessible areas
Cleaning and disinfection of salvageable hard surfaces impacted by the event
Identification of materials needing further mitigation (for restoration professionals)
Plumbing-focused findings and recommendations for repairs, maintenance, or upgrades
(Full structural drying, demolition, and rebuild are typically performed by water damage/restoration specialists; we’ll clearly tell you when those are needed.)
Costs & Timelines (What to Expect)
Costs and timing for Category 3 decontamination depend on:
Extent of contamination: Single bathroom vs multiple rooms or a full lower level.
Duration: Fresh event vs long-standing contamination that has soaked into materials.
Surface types: Mostly hard, cleanable surfaces vs cabinets, wood, carpet, or drywall.
Plumbing complexity: Simple clog vs broken line, root intrusion, or multiple problem areas.
After assessing the site, we’ll provide a clear estimate and explain which tasks are plumbing/decontamination, and which should be handled by restoration specialists.
Insurance & Claims Help
Category 3 water events often involve significant cleanup, material replacement, and downtime, making insurance and documentation important.
Here’s how we can help on our side:
Provide detailed invoices, descriptions, and photos of the plumbing cause and Category 3 contamination.
Offer written estimates for any needed plumbing repairs, upgrades, or future maintenance plans.
When needed, speak with your adjuster, property manager, or restoration contractor about the plumbing/Category 3 side of the loss.
(Coverage decisions always depend on your policy and insurer; we don’t determine what is or isn’t covered.)
Risks of Waiting (Why Act Now)
Category 3 events have important limits and risks:
Porous materials are often not salvageable: Carpet, pad, drywall, insulation, wood-based trim, and some flooring frequently require removal and replacement.
Hidden moisture and contamination: Water can move into wall cavities, under cabinets, and into subfloors, needing professional drying and mitigation.
Repeated events without repair: Ignoring root intrusion, broken pipes, or improper slopes can lead to recurring Category 3 incidents.
High-risk occupants: Homes and facilities with infants, elderly, or immune-compromised occupants may need stricter remediation and clearance testing (handled by restoration/industrial hygiene professionals).
We’ll be clear where our plumbing-focused decontamination work ends, and where restoration contractors, engineers, or other specialists should take over.
Methods, Materials & Quality Standards
Costs and timing for Category 3 decontamination depend on:
Extent of contamination: Single bathroom vs multiple rooms or a full lower level.
Duration: Fresh event vs long-standing contamination that has soaked into materials.
Surface types: Mostly hard, cleanable surfaces vs cabinets, wood, carpet, or drywall.
Plumbing complexity: Simple clog vs broken line, root intrusion, or multiple problem areas.
After assessing the site, we’ll provide a clear estimate and explain which tasks are plumbing/decontamination, and which should be handled by restoration specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Category 3 water?
Category 3 (“black water”) typically includes sewage and heavily contaminated wastewater that may contain pathogens, organic waste, and other harmful substances—it requires special handling and decontamination steps.
Can I stay in the home or business during Category 3 cleanup?
It depends on the extent and location of contamination and occupant health. In many cases, parts of the building can remain occupied, but severely affected areas should stay off-limits until properly addressed by plumbing, decontamination, and restoration teams.
Is simple mopping and bleach enough for Category 3 events?
No. Category 3 water is considered grossly unsanitary. While bleach may help some surfaces, professional extraction, decontamination, and often restoration are needed—especially for porous materials and larger areas.
Do you replace flooring and drywall too?
We focus on plumbing corrections and decontamination of hard, salvageable surfaces. Bulk demolition, structural drying, and full rebuild are typically handled by water damage/restoration contractors; we’ll advise you when that’s needed.
How can we prevent Category 3 plumbing events in the future?
Prevention may include camera inspections, root control, repairing or replacing damaged lines, adding cleanouts, and improving maintenance and usage habits (no wipes, grease, etc.). We’ll go over specific recommendations after decontamination.
Do you offer Category 3 plumbing-affected decontamination near me in Las Vegas?
If you’re in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, or nearby communities, yes—Active Plumbing provides decontamination of plumbing-affected areas (Category 3 water) and the plumbing services needed to correct the underlying issues.
More Active Plumbing Sewage Cleanup Services
Proudly Serving All of Las Vegas
Address: 3580 Polaris Ave #17, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Phone: (702) 438-3357
Hours: Open 24 hours
Email: service@activeplumbinginc.com
Active Plumbing is Las Vegas–based and available 24/7 for residential and commercial plumbing across Southern Nevada. We handle emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, slab leaks, water heater repair and installation (including tankless), water softeners and filtration systems, leak detection, gas line installation, and full bathroom and kitchen plumbing upgrades—fast, professional, and backed by strong warranties.
Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Paradise, Spring Valley, Enterprise, Sunrise Manor, Boulder City, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Let’s start a conversation
Book Your Free Consultation call Now
Contact us:
CALL (702) 438-3357
Hours: Open 24 hours
3580 Polaris Ave #17, Las Vegas, NV 89103