Undiscovered Death Cleanup Service in Phoenix, AZ, Greater Phoenix Area and the Entire State of Arizona
The discovery of an unattended or undiscovered death is a deeply unsettling experience that no one is truly prepared for. Whether it’s days or weeks after someone has passed, the emotional toll on families and property owners is often compounded by the physical consequences left behind. In these moments, professional cleanup services are not just a practical necessity—they’re a form of care, helping restore both safety and peace of mind.
If you’ve just discovered a loved one and are unsure what to do next, you are not alone. We’ve included immediate support resources below. If you’re seeking information about professional cleanup, scroll down to learn how T.A.C.T. 48 can help.
Get Help Now
If you are in distress—emotionally, mentally, or physically—there are people who care and can help, right now.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for 24/7, free, and confidential support.
- La Frontera EMPACT – Trauma Healing Services – Offers in-person and telephonic crisis response and emotional support for those affected by loss. Call 24/7: 480-736-4949 THS Brochure
- Arizona Statewide Crisis Line: 1-844-534-HOPE (4673)
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
- Teen Lifeline: Call or text 602-248-TEEN (8336)
Why Professional Undiscovered Death Cleanup Matters
Health Hazards of a Delayed Response
- Biological Decomposition Hazards: Human remains begin to decompose rapidly, especially in Arizona's heat. This process releases harmful bacteria, viruses, and gases into the air. According to the CDC, such conditions can become biohazardous in a matter of hours, creating a serious health risk for anyone nearby.
- Insect and Rodent Infestation: Decomposition attracts flies, maggots, and rodents that further spread contaminants throughout a property, compounding the cleanup challenge.
- Structural Damage: Bodily fluids can seep into floorboards, carpets, and drywall, causing deep structural staining and long-term damage if not promptly addressed.
Psychological Impact
- Emotional Shock: Encountering the scene of an undiscovered death is traumatizing, especially when it involves a friend, tenant, or family member. Quick and respectful cleanup prevents prolonged exposure to disturbing reminders and supports the grieving process.
- Lingering Odor: The smell associated with decomposition is not just unpleasant—it becomes a long-lasting reminder of trauma. Proper cleanup neutralizes these odors and restores a livable environment.
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Cleanup of biohazard scenes must follow federal regulations, including:
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) OSHA Standard
- EPA Medical Waste Disposal Guidelines EPA Medical Waste FAQ
- CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control CDC Guidelines
What Our Undiscovered Death Cleanup Services Include
Biohazard Removal
- Safe removal of fluids, biological materials, and affected items
- Disinfection of the area with CDC- and EPA-compliant solutions
Odor Control
- Neutralization of decomposition odors using ozone and hydroxyl technologies
- Ventilation and air purification using HEPA filters
Site Remediation
- Restoration of the property to pre-incident condition
- Removal and replacement of damaged flooring or drywall, as needed
Does Insurance Cover This?
In many cases, yes. Homeowner’s insurance policies often cover unattended death cleanup. We can:
- Work directly with your insurer
- File necessary paperwork
- Help reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Provide documentation for claims and property management
Our Cleanup Process
1. No-Cost Initial Assessment and Planning
Before any cleanup begins, our certified team performs a careful site evaluation to determine the extent of contamination and create a customized cleanup strategy.
- Discreet on-site inspection of the affected area(s)
- Hazard identification including presence of blood, bodily fluids, insect activity, or structural damage
- Transparent cleanup plan with itemized steps and timelines
- Upfront cost estimate with no hidden fees or obligations
- Assistance reviewing insurance coverage and claims process, if applicable
2. Containment and Safety Protocols
To prevent the spread of contamination and protect everyone involved, we follow strict safety measures based on OSHA and CDC guidelines.
- Full personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by all technicians (including gloves, respirators, and hazmat suits)
- Containment of the scene using plastic sheeting, barrier systems, or sealed doors to isolate affected areas
- Ventilation control, using negative air machines to filter airborne pathogens and maintain safe air quality
- Protection of unaffected areas to avoid cross-contamination
3. Decontamination and Sanitization
Once the area is contained, we begin the thorough removal and neutralization of all biological hazards and decomposition materials.
- Safe removal of blood, fluids, tissue, and contaminated materials
- Use of EPA-registered disinfectants proven effective against viruses, bacteria, and pathogens
- Deep cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, including subflooring, carpet, drywall, and furniture
- Odor treatment and air purification using HEPA filtration and deodorization agents
- Documentation of all materials removed or salvaged
4. Restoration of the Property
After all hazardous material is removed and the space is disinfected, we begin restoring the environment to a livable, safe condition.
- Careful cleaning and preservation of salvageable personal items, when possible
- Disposal of unsalvageable items according to local, state, and federal biohazard waste laws
- Assessment of structural damage, with recommendations for repairs if needed
- Assistance with contractor referrals for rebuilds or renovation, if required
5. Final Inspection and Clearance
Before we consider the job complete, we ensure that the space is not only clean but safe and ready for re-entry.
- Detailed post-cleanup inspection by our lead technician
- Clearance testing, if required by law or insurance
- Final walkthrough with the client, explaining what was done and what to expect next
- Cleanup certification and insurance documentation provided for your records and peace of mind
Why T.A.C.T. 48?
T.A.C.T. 48’s crews arrive discreetly on location in unmarked vehicles, ensuring privacy and minimizing attention during sensitive situations. This approach is especially important for biohazard, trauma, or hoarding cleanups, where discretion is a priority for the emotional well-being of clients and to maintain confidentiality.
Our team’s professional appearance and low-profile presence help reduce stress for property owners, neighbors, and anyone impacted by the scene.
Discretion
When responding to scenes involving an undiscovered death, discretion is vital for preserving the dignity of those involved. T.A.C.T. 48’s technicians arrive in unmarked vehicles and wear professional, non-branded uniforms to avoid drawing attention to the scene. This approach helps reduce the emotional strain for neighbors, tenants, or loved ones who may be nearby. Our respectful and subdued presence allows families and property owners to manage the situation privately and without added stress.
24/7 Emergency Availability
Tragic events do not happen on a schedule, and neither does our response. T.A.C.T. 48 offers round-the-clock emergency cleanup services, with trained biohazard professionals on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you’ve just made a discovery in the early morning hours or late at night, our team is ready to respond immediately to help secure the property, start the decontamination process, and offer clear guidance during a distressing time.
Specialized Equipment and Certified Training
Our technicians are certified in handling bloodborne pathogens and biohazardous materials as mandated by OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Every member of our team undergoes regular training in trauma scene management and uses professional-grade cleaning agents, PPE, and decontamination equipment—tools that go far beyond the capabilities of household cleaners. From HEPA-filtered negative air machines to EPA-approved disinfectants, we apply industry-leading technology to every cleanup.
Arizona-Based Experts with Local Knowledge
T.A.C.T. 48 is locally owned and operated, with deep experience serving the Greater Phoenix area and surrounding counties. This means we’re not just familiar with Arizona’s extreme climate and unique property types, but also with state regulations and municipal codes related to biohazard disposal, waste transport, and tenant property standards. Whether responding to a situation in a rural home, apartment complex, or vacation rental, we bring a local perspective and a fast, informed response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is considered an “undiscovered death”?
An undiscovered death, also called an unattended death, occurs when a person passes away and their body is not found for several hours, days, or even weeks. This can happen in cases of natural death, accidents, or suicides—especially when the individual lives alone. Because decomposition begins quickly after death, professional cleanup is necessary to safely restore the area.
Why can’t I clean it up myself?
Cleaning up after an undiscovered death exposes you to dangerous biological materials, including bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and airborne bacteria released during decomposition. These materials can pose serious health risks if not handled correctly. In addition, most cleaning products available to the public are not strong enough to fully disinfect contaminated surfaces. T.A.C.T. 48 follows strict safety protocols using OSHA-approved PPE and EPA-certified disinfectants to ensure thorough decontamination and safe waste disposal.
How soon should cleanup begin after discovery?
Immediately. Delays can lead to worsened property damage, increased health hazards, and more extensive restoration needs. Arizona’s high temperatures accelerate decomposition, allowing fluids to spread and odors to permeate porous surfaces like flooring and drywall. Early intervention reduces contamination, controls odor, and helps limit long-term property loss.
Is the cleanup covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most homeowners insurance policies cover biohazard cleanup following an unattended death. Our team works directly with your insurance provider to manage the claims process, submit documentation, and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. If you’re unsure about your policy, we can assist in reviewing your coverage.
How long does the cleanup process take?
Cleanup timelines depend on several factors, including the length of time before discovery, the size of the affected area, and the materials involved. Most undiscovered death cleanups are completed within 1 to 3 days, though extensive restorations may take longer. We conduct a no-cost assessment and provide you with a clear plan, timeline, and cost estimate upfront.
What happens to items that were affected by decomposition?
T.A.C.T. 48 takes great care in identifying which items can be safely restored and which must be removed. We follow EPA and OSHA regulations to properly dispose of contaminated materials, while cleaning and salvaging personal belongings when possible. We understand that some items carry emotional value, and our team will work closely with you to handle them with care and respect.
Resources for Families Dealing with Loss
- Arizona Behavioral Health Crisis Services: azahcccs.gov Behavioral Health
- Mental Health Association of Arizona: (480) 982-5305 | mhaarizona.org
- NAMI Arizona (National Alliance on Mental Illness): (602) 244-8166 | namiarizona.org
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Arizona Chapter AFSP Arizona
Serving the Entire State
From downtown Phoenix to remote desert towns, T.A.C.T. 48 provides professional undiscovered death cleanup across:
- Maricopa County
- Pima, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties
- Greater Phoenix Metro Area
- Tribal lands and rural properties statewide