How Do You Clean up After a Sewage Backup?

Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make you sick. Before touching anything, put on rubber boots, gloves, and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Open windows to improve air flow. If you have open cuts or a weakened immune system, consider staying out of the area and letting the pros handle the work.

Turn off the electricity in the affected rooms if water has reached outlets or appliances. Do not walk through standing sewage if you can avoid it. Keep children and pets away. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have trouble breathing, leave the area and see a doctor. Your health comes before any cleanup effort.

Once the area is dry, scrub all hard surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. Then apply a disinfectant solution, such as one part bleach to nine parts water, to kill remaining pathogens. Pay special attention to baseboards, floors, walls, and any items that came into contact with sewage. Rinse with clean water and let everything dry completely.

Do not mix bleach with other cleaners, as this can create toxic fumes. Use separate sponges and mops for the affected area to avoid spreading contamination. After cleaning, wash your hands and any reusable tools with soap and hot water. If the contamination is extensive, the pros may use specialized sanitizers and fogging equipment to reach hidden areas.

If the backup covers a large area, has soaked into walls or floors, or you cannot fully remove the odor, it is time to call local water damage pros. They have the training and equipment to handle hazardous waste safely. They can also clean and sanitize items that might otherwise be thrown away, such as hard furniture and electronics.

Professional cleanup usually involves removing contaminated materials, disinfecting all surfaces, and drying the structure completely. They may also treat ducts and crawlspaces if sewage has spread there. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see if sewage backup is included, and document everything with photos and receipts.