The short answer
Safety First
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can make you sick. Before you touch anything, put on rubber gloves, boots, goggles, and a mask that covers your mouth and nose. Open windows to get fresh air moving through the space, but avoid using fans that might spread contaminated air.
Turn off the power to any rooms with standing water, and avoid using electrical outlets or appliances in those areas. If the water is deep or you feel unwell, leave the home and call a doctor. Also, check your insurance policy to understand what steps you need to document for a potential claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Stop the Water Flow
Find the main water shutoff valve for your home and turn it off to stop more sewage from entering. If the backup comes from a clogged drain, you might be able to clear it with a plunger, but do not use chemical cleaners that can mix with other substances and create fumes. If you live in Cincinnati, keep the location of your shutoff valve written down for quick access.
If the backup is from a municipal sewer line or a neighbor's issue, you may need to call your local public works department. Do not attempt to open a sewer cleanout if you are not sure what you are doing. A plumber can help with the source, but the cleanup itself is a separate job for water damage pros.
- Wear gloves, boots, goggles, and a mask
- Open windows for ventilation
- Turn off electricity in affected areas
- Locate and shut off the main water valve
- Do not use chemicals on sewage
- Keep children and pets away
Remove Standing Water
Use a wet vacuum or a pump to remove standing water, but only if you are confident and the water is not too deep. If you do not have the right equipment, let the pros handle it. They have industrial-grade pumps and vacuums that can quickly remove large volumes of contaminated water.
As you remove water, place it in a toilet or a floor drain that is connected to the sewer, not into a storm drain or outside where it could contaminate soil. Do not use a regular household vacuum for wet sewage. That can spread germs and damage the machine. The pros will contain and dispose of the waste properly.
Clean and Disinfect
Once the standing water is gone, the next step is cleaning every hard surface that came into contact with sewage. Use a detergent and hot water to wash walls, floors, and fixtures, then apply a disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses. Let the disinfectant sit for the time listed on the label before rinsing.
Porous materials like drywall, carpet, padding, and insulation usually need to be removed and thrown away because they absorb sewage and cannot be fully cleaned. Wood and concrete can often be saved, but they require thorough scrubbing and drying. The pros have specialized equipment to dry and disinfect these areas effectively.
Dry Everything Thoroughly
After cleaning, drying is critical to prevent mold growth. Use dehumidifiers, air movers, and fans to pull moisture out of the air and materials. Keep the space ventilated until everything feels completely dry to the touch. This process can take several days, depending on the extent of the damage.
If you have items like furniture, clothing, or books that were affected, separate them. Some may be salvageable, but anything that cannot be washed in hot water or thrown away should be discarded. The pros can assess your belongings and help you decide what can be restored. Contents cleaning is a separate service that may be needed.
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Call Now (513) 854-7491Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up sewage myself?
Small spills on hard surfaces might be manageable with proper gear and disinfectant, but sewage is a health hazard. For anything beyond a small area, or if porous materials are involved, professional help is safer. The pros have the right equipment and training to handle the job thoroughly.
What should I throw away after a sewage backup?
Throw away anything that cannot be washed in hot water or disinfected. This includes drywall, carpet, padding, mattresses, pillows, and soft furniture. Cardboard and paper items, like boxes and documents, should also go. Food that came into contact with sewage must be discarded, even if sealed.
How long does the cleanup take?
The time depends on the size of the affected area, the amount of water, and the materials involved. A small bathroom might be cleaned in a day, while a flooded basement could take several days. Drying alone can take up to a week or more. The pros can give you a better idea after assessing the situation.
More questions and answers
- What Causes Sewage Smell Without a Visible Backup?
- Is Sewage Backup Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
- Can a Tree Root Intrusion in a Drain Cause Sewage Backup?
- What Causes a Sewage Smell in the House With No Backup?
- Why Is Sewage Backup Classified as a Biohazard?
- How Do You Disinfect a Bathroom After Sewage Backup?
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