Over the past weeks, Colorado has seen record rainfall that has led to widespread street flooding across the Front Range.
While the severe 2024 drought finally broke, these intense downpours are now stressing Denver’s aging sewer system, resulting in raw sewage backing up into basements and ground‐level bathrooms.
For many homeowners, the threat is twofold: structural damage to floors and walls—and a very real risk to family health from contact with contaminated water
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A Close Call in Parker: The Williams Family’s Nightmare
Late one evening in southern Denver’s Parker neighborhood, Jessica and Mark Williams awoke to a strange gurgling sound in their main bathroom. Within minutes, a sludgy tide of wastewater surged up through the shower drain and spilled onto the tile, creeping beneath the vanity and lapping at the baseboards. “We smelled it before we saw it,” recalls Jessica. “It was a rotten, unmistakable stench. Our first thought was, ‘If this gets into the carpeting upstairs, or the kids’ bedrooms, it could be a health hazard.’ We felt helpless.”
After dialing the city’s non‐emergency line, they were referred to Anatom Restoration, a local restoration company specializing in flood, fire, mold, and—as in the Williamses’ case—sewage cleanup.
Within forty‐five minutes, an IICRC‐certified technician team arrived on site with industrial pumps, hospital‐grade disinfectants, and advanced drying equipment. By the end of a tense three‐hour shift, they had extracted every drop of contaminated water, safely bagged damaged drywall, and initiated a forced‐air drying process designed to prevent mold growth. “Watching their crew wrap up our vanity base, scrub every tile, and disinfect the plumbing fixtures was such a relief,” Jessica says. “They even replaced the corroded pipe segment, so we had no lingering leaks. For us, it was like saving our home.”
Surge or Trend? Why Denver’s Sewers Are at Risk
Dr. Rachel Sterling, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Colorado Denver, warns that repeated sewage inundation is more than a structural headache. “Raw sewage carries pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and various intestinal parasites,” she explains. “When wastewater seeps into carpets, drywall, or beneath floorboards, residents—especially children and immunocompromised individuals—are at risk of developing gastrointestinal infections, skin rashes, or respiratory issues.” Denver Public Works reports a 28 percent uptick in sewage backup calls since May 2025, primarily in neighborhoods served by older 1950s‐era pipes.
City officials have published interim guidance urging homeowners to:
- Install a backflow prevention valve on their main sewer line.
- Keep a clear access point to the building’s clean‐out plug.
- Have a 24/7 emergency restoration contact ready—public crews cannot respond immediately to every private residence.
How Anatom Restoration Saves Homes—and Health
In interviews with Anatom Restoration’s Operations Manager, Roy Perel, a consistent theme emerges: “We’ve mitigated over 5,000 emergency sewage events in the Denver metro since 2022. Time is the biggest enemy—every extra minute the wastewater sits means more wall absorption, more contamination, and a higher chance of mold in the next 48 hours.” Anatom guarantees a one‐hour response window, 24/7, 365 days a year. Their standard process includes:
- Industrial‐strength extraction: Powerful pumps remove standing sewage and carry it out in sealed, leak‐proof containers.
- Medical‐grade disinfection: Technicians treat all surfaces with EPA‐registered disinfectants to eliminate viruses, bacteria, and mold spores.
- Advanced structural drying: High‐capacity air movers and dehumidifiers prevent secondary damage from lingering moisture.
- Full structural restoration: From replacing soaked drywall to refinishing hardwood floors, Anatom’s in‐house carpenters and plumbers handle every repair step.
“Even a seemingly small clog can turn into a basement flood that affects flooring, drywall, and electrical outlets,” Perel notes. “When you catch it early—ideally within 45 minutes—you can often restore a home with minimal reconstruction. Wait another day, and you’re looking at full subfloor replacement or repiping.”
Preventive Measures: What Every Homeowner Can Do Now
While Denver’s long‐term plan to replace aging sewer mains won’t be fully implemented until 2026, residents can take these practical steps:
- Schedule an annual sewer inspection. Video scopes can identify early cracks or tree‐root infiltration before major backups occur.
- Install a backflow valve. These devices automatically shut off if wastewater tries to reverse into your pipes. They typically run $300–$600 installed but can save thousands in cleanup costs.
- Keep drains clear. Avoid pouring grease or fibrous materials down kitchen sinks, and run a simple enzymatic drain cleaner monthly to reduce buildup.
- Know your emergency contacts. Have a restoration company’s 24/7 phone number saved—Anatom Restoration’s dedicated emergency line is (720) 356‐0945, ensuring a technician is dispatched within the hour.
When the Williamses first experienced their backup, they had no backflow valve installed. After rebuilding their damaged bathroom, they had a valve added within a week—and registered for Anatom’s annual maintenance program, which includes a complimentary inspection and discounted cleanup if a second backup occurs within 12 months.
The True Cost: Health, Property, and Peace of Mind
According to the Denver Office of Economic Development, a single basement sewage event can cost homeowners anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 in extraction, demolition, mold remediation, and reconstruction—before considering temporary lodging or lost wages. In contrast, a preventive backflow valve plus an annual inspection may total under $1,000.
“Prevention is critical,” emphasizes Dr. Sterling. “But when a backup does happen, do not attempt a DIY cleanup. Even if you remove visible water, unseen pathogens can linger behind baseboards and under flooring. Only certified professionals with appropriate PPE and disinfectants can effectively neutralize those hidden dangers.”
Ready to Protect Your Home—and Your Family?
As spring storms give way to summer thunderstorms, Denver’s sewer infrastructure will remain under stress. If you notice gurgling toilets, slow drains, or foul odors from floor drains after heavy rains, do not wait. Contact Anatom Restoration immediately for rapid response and comprehensive cleanup: or call (720) 356-0945—available 24/7. Their certified technicians will extract sewage, disinfect every surface, and restore structural integrity so you can return to normal life safely and quickly.
In a region where climate extremes are becoming the new normal, safeguarding your home against sewage infiltration is more important than ever. By combining preventive maintenance—such as backflow valves and sewer line inspections—with an emergency plan that includes Anatom’s 60-minute guarantee, Denver homeowners can weather the next storm without fear of raw sewage threatening floors, furniture, or family health.
