How to Safely and Effectively Clean Up Sewage Step-by-Step

No One Likes a Sewage Backup!

Picture this: a heavy spring storm rolls through Southwest Ohio, pouring rain for hours. Suddenly, you notice a foul odor, and then you see it—murky water seeping into your basement. The sewer line couldn’t handle the overflow, and now contaminated water is rising, soaking into your carpet, furniture, and walls. Now you have to clean up sewage. However, these basement sewage backups pose serious health risks and hazards, including the potential for mold outbreaks and various diseases from sewage contamination.

Basement flooding is a common scene for homeowners in our region. An older plumbing, sewer system, and intense weather often lead to unexpected sewage backups. It’s an overwhelming situation with real health risks. However, knowing what to do next can make a huge difference. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to safely and effectively clean up after a sewage backup—helping you protect your home and family.

What’s Covered:

• Safety Precautions
• Assessing the Damage
• Containment and Ventilation
• Cleaning and Disinfecting
• Drying and Dehumidification
• Preventing Mold
• Repairing and Restoring
• Getting Professional Help

Special Sewage Spills Safety Precautions

When faced with a home or office sewage spill, not only are you faced with a huge, smelly mess, but sewage is a biohazard. Sewage-contaminated liquids, gasses and aerosol particles can spread to unaffected areas, posing additional risks. 

Raw sewage (and anything it touches) is a biohazard that may contain high levels of:

• Harmful sewage-borne bacteria, 
• Viruses and parasites, 
• Including contaminants like E. coli, hepatitis A, and salmonella.

Raw sewage can pose major health risks, including respiratory infections and chemical exposure from stormwater or industrial waste. Sewage-contaminated water can quickly seep into walls, floors, and furniture. This mix of moisture and organic material is perfect for mold.

Strict safety precautions are essential to protect your health and property. Before you start to clean up sewage, gather your equipment, plan your approach, and be sure you’re ready to handle the hazards safely.

Important Information

The methods below may be sufficient for small spills and backups (contained in one small area). However, professional help is strongly recommended for all cleanup involving sewage due to the health risks involved.

Protect Yourself from Sewer Backup Biohazards 

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and, at minimum, a N95 mask (a P100 respirator is recommended) as part of your personal protection gear to safeguard yourself from contact with harmful bacteria and pathogens.
• Ensure Good Ventilation: Open doors and windows to air out the affected area. This will help reduce strong odors and prevent the buildup of toxic gasses like methane or hydrogen sulfide.
• Evacuate Vulnerable Individuals: For safety, keep children, pets, and anyone with compromised health out of the area until cleanup is complete.
• Sanitize Thoroughly: Wash hands with hot water and antibacterial soap after each cleanup shift, and disinfect any personal items that were in contact with contaminated areas.

Additional Sewage Cleanup Precautions

In addition to biohazard protocols, other critical safety steps protect you and your home during a sewage spill cleanup:

Electrical and Water Safety

• Turn Off Power: If it is safe to reach the breaker box, shut off power to the affected area. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
• Avoid Using Electrical Equipment in Wet Areas: Wait until the area is completely dry and cleared by a professional before using fans, vacuums, or other appliances. Do not use wet electrical outlets.  
• Turn off any running water (or even your main water supply).

Structural Safety

• Check for Structural Integrity: Sewage water can weaken walls, floors, and structural supports. Avoid standing on or adding weight to visibly damaged areas.
• Inspect Lower Levels: Basements and other low-lying areas may sustain structural damage from sewage backup or a flooded basement. A professional assessment is recommended for significant flooding or if there are visible cracks or shifting.

Fire Safety and Air Quality

• Ventilate the Area: Sewage spills release hazardous gasses. Proper ventilation lowers the risk of respiratory issues and reduces lingering odors.
• Avoid Igniting Flames: Methane gas in sewage is highly flammable. Avoid open flames or any devices that might produce sparks in the affected area.

Food and Water Safety
In some instances, sewage backups can overflow into a kitchen, for example, if the main line is clogged. If so, take precautions with food and water.

• Dispose of Exposed Food and Drinks: Discard any open or unsealed food, beverages, or bottled water exposed to sewage, as they may carry harmful bacteria.
• Use Bottled or Disinfected Water for Cooking and Drinking: If the water supply is compromised, boil tap water for at least one minute before use to kill contaminants.
• Discard Porous Items: Throw away porous items like wooden utensils or baby bottles exposed to sewage, as they can retain bacteria.

Assessing the Sewage Spill Damage

After a sewage spill, you will need to conduct a careful assessment to determine the level of cleanup and restoration needed—and set you up for a smooth insurance claim.

Start by noting any standing water, which is common in heavy rainstorms. This contaminated water can quickly compromise both health and structural integrity if left untreated.

Next, check structural components like walls and stairs. If you notice any cracks, warping, or shifts in walls and floors, or if there is significant standing water in the basement or other lower levels, it’s crucial to contact a structural engineer or restoration professional right away.

Also, check walls, floors, and furnishings to identify what can be cleaned and what might need replacement. Hard (non-porous) surfaces can often be disinfected, but porous materials like carpets, drywall, and upholstery tend to absorb contaminants and sewage debris deeply and may not be salvageable.

Pro Tip: As you assess, take clear photos and jot down detailed notes of all damages. This documentation is key when filing an insurance claim, helping you get coverage for cleanup and repairs. 

Containment and Ventilation

Containing the damage and ensuring proper ventilation are your next steps. Start by creating a barrier around the impacted space to prevent contaminants from spreading to other rooms.

Close doors and, if necessary, use plastic sheeting to fully isolate the area. Make sure your HVAC system is turned off to prevent spreading contamination through the air ducts.

Next, improve air circulation to help clear out odors and reduce respiratory risks. Open windows and doors to let in fresh air. Also, if it’s safe to do so, use fans to help air out the space.

Airflow not only helps dissipate unpleasant odors but also minimizes the buildup of any harmful gasses, making the environment safer for you and your family. It is also important to utilize proper dehumidification to ensure humidity levels return to a safe level to reduce the risk of mold and secondary damage.

Containing Sewage Contaminated Waters 

• Use Absorbent Pads: Place absorbent pads (check your big box store) around the perimeter of the affected area to soak up small amounts of water. Thick rags or towels can be used in an emergency, but they should be discarded after use. Make sure to change them out frequently to prevent bacteria or mold growth.
• Lay Down Sandbags or Absorbent Barriers: For larger spills, consider using sandbags or commercial absorbent barriers in the contaminated area to prevent sewage water from spreading further into other parts of your home or office.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Once the area is contained and ventilated, you can use a wet vac designed explicitly for biohazard or water removal. Standard vacuums aren’t safe for handling sewage or sewage water. Please note – professional-grade water extraction equipment is preferable for sewage cleanup.

• Remember to keep using your rubber gloves, boots and other protective equipment. 
• Work in manageable sections, tackling smaller areas at a time to ensure thorough water removal, and frequently empty the tank to avoid overfilling and spills.
• Once you’re finished, disinfect the vacuum thoroughly by rinsing the tank, hose, and attachments with a bleach solution to eliminate any lingering bacteria and odors.
• Be sure to dispose of the wastewater safely according to your local guidelines. 

After water removal, disinfect all hard, contaminated surfaces—floors, walls, and any non-porous items—with an EPA-approved cleaning solution. Products with antimicrobial agents are especially effective since they attack bacteria and help prevent mold growth.

Removing Contaminated Items

Heavily contaminated items often must be thrown out to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup. Porous materials like carpets, rugs, and upholstery (but also things like books, contaminated clothes and photos) can absorb sewage water, making them challenging to sanitize.

In most cases, these items should be thrown out. However, in some cases, personal items (like photos and documents) and high-value items may be saved with professional restoration, especially if they are only slightly affected by the sewer backup and contaminated water.

During the cleanup process, it’s also important to check the contaminated area for mold, which can flourish in damp conditions. If you find any mold on affected materials, remove them right away to prevent further spread.

Safe Disposal of Contaminated Materials

• Use Appropriate Disposal Methods: Many contaminated items, such as carpets, drywall, and upholstery, must be discarded following local regulations. Items that have come into contact with contaminated debris, like furniture and clothing, should be carefully assessed and handled to mitigate health risks.
• Follow Local Guidelines: Proper disposal of contaminated materials (including wastewater) helps prevent the spread of bacteria and keeps your home and community safe.

Drying and Dehumidification

Drying must be thorough. It will prevent mold and restore your space. Using professional-grade equipment, like industrial fans and dehumidifiers, ensures the area is dried to industry standards. It will reach deep into the walls, floors, and any affected surfaces.

If you don’t have access to professional-grade drying equipment, there are still practical steps you can take to dry the space:

1. Use Household Fans and Dehumidifiers: While they may not be as powerful as industrial equipment, regular fans and dehumidifiers can still help circulate air and reduce moisture levels. Set up multiple fans to keep air moving and position a dehumidifier near the affected area.
2. Open Windows and Doors: Maximize airflow by opening windows and doors if weather permits. This will help release moisture and odors, especially in Southwest Ohio’s spring and fall when outdoor humidity levels are lower.
3. Use Absorbent Materials: Place towels or absorbent cloths on damp surfaces to help soak up moisture. Be sure to change them regularly to avoid spreading bacteria or mold spores.
4. Turn Up the Heat (If Safe to Do So): In cooler months, slightly increasing your home’s temperature can help speed up evaporation. Just ensure it’s safe and comfortable to do so, and don’t use any heat sources in wet areas that may pose a fire risk. During warm months, turning your A/C to a lower setting will help with dehumidification. 

Southwest Ohio’s naturally humid climate can make drying more challenging, so keeping humidity levels low is key. Proper dehumidification will speed up drying and reduce moisture. This will help protect your home from mold and aid restoration.

• You might like: What Causes Sewage Backups

Preventing Mold Growth

Mold grows quickly in moist environments, especially in Ohio’s humid seasons, so it’s crucial to take steps to prevent it after a sewage spill. Here’s how to stay ahead of unhealthy mold and protect your home.

• Inspect Regularly for Mold: As drying progresses, check the affected areas often for any signs of mold. After an area has been exposed to water, mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours, especially in areas with high humidity. Look for common indicators like musty odors, dark spots on walls and floors, or a fuzzy, greenish-black coating on surfaces. Early detection means you can address mold before it spreads, making removal easier and reducing health risks.
• Use Anti-Microbial Treatments: To further safeguard against mold, apply an antimicrobial solution on exposed surfaces. Look for an EPA-registered antimicrobial cleaner. Check the label to make sure the product is effective against mold, mildew, and bacteria. Be sure to follow product instructions for proper application and drying time.

Restoring and Repairing

Once the cleanup is complete, it’s time to focus on restoring your home:

• Repair and Restore the Space: Check for damage to walls, floors, and furniture that may need repair or replacement. Address any flooring that was exposed to water, and replace carpets or porous materials that can’t be thoroughly cleaned.
• Ensure Plumbing is Functional: To prevent future issues, hire a licensed plumber to inspect and confirm that your sewer lines, sump pump, and drainage systems are functioning properly. The plumber can ensure everything is in line with local building codes and help identify any potential vulnerabilities that could lead to another backup.

By addressing repairs and checking your plumbing system, you’ll reduce the chance of future problems and restore your home to a safe, comfortable space.

Professional Sewage Cleanup Help

Consider working with professional restoration experts for a safe, thorough cleanup and effective prevention plan. Here’s how expert help can make a difference:

• Hire Local Experts like PuroClean Emergency Services:
  In Southwest Ohio, PuroClean Emergency Services specializes in sewage backup cleanup, including flooding issues, drain backups, and overflow. Our team follows strict industry standards to make sure your home is fully restored and free from residual hazards from sewer backup. 
• Insurance Coverage and Claims Assistance: PuroClean works directly with your insurance company, making the claims process easier to navigate and helping you understand your coverage for sewage backup. Our team provides the support and guidance you need to simplify this stressful process.
• Advanced Cleaning and Prevention: Our technicians fully sanitize affected areas to remove contaminants and eliminate health risks using advanced equipment and robust cleaning solutions. 

When it’s time to call a professional, call PuroClean Emergency Services for complete and compassionate sewage cleanup. We serve Ohio, from Piqua to the north, Dayton to Cincinnati, and surrounding areas. Our team is here to restore your property with the care, expertise, and commitment you deserve.

Sources:
CDC: Reducing Health Risks to Workers Handling Human Waste or Sewage
EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home