PuroClean of South Merced 
Table of Contents
Dealing with a sewage backup or overflow in your home or business is stressful and potentially dangerous. In Fresno, where sanitation services respond 24/7 to sewer emergencies, acting fast is critical to protect your health, property, and community environment.
This guide walks you through the essential steps in the first 24 hours after sewage intrusion including safety, contamination control, and when to call professionals.
Emergency Sewage Cleanup in Fresno: Why Quick Action Matters for Sewage Cleanup in Fresno
Raw sewage isn’t just unpleasant, it’s a biohazard. Human waste can contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause serious illness. If left standing, contaminated water can lead to mold growth within 24–48 hours, structural damage, and costly repairs.
Taking immediate, informed action protects people and minimizes long-term property loss.
First Hour — Ensure Safety and Shut Off Utilities
Stay Safe Before You Enter
Before thinking about cleanup, protect everyone:
- Evacuate children, pets, and people with compromised health.
- Turn off electricity and gas to affected areas if it’s safe to do so, wet environments plus live power are extremely dangerous.
- Wear basic protection like gloves and boots if you must enter.
Call Local Authorities for Sewer Emergencies
In Fresno, unusual sewer odors, wastewater in streets, or overflow from manholes should be reported to the City’s 311 Center immediately.
Hours 2–4 — Stop the Source & Prevent Spread
Shut Off Water
If a pipe blockage or backup is the cause, turn off your main water supply to stop further inflow.
Contain the Contamination
- Close doors between clean and affected areas.
- Seal vents or HVAC systems to avoid spreading germs through air.
At this stage, it’s also wise to document the situation with photos, especially if you’ll file an insurance claim.
Hours 4–8 — Protect Yourself Before Cleanup
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
CDC guidance makes it clear that proper PPE is essential when dealing with sewage: waterproof boots, gloves, eye protection, and at least a basic respirator are minimum requirements.
Avoid direct contact with contaminated water, do not touch your face, and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
Hours 8–12 — Begin Cleaning and Removing Contaminated Materials
Remove Water and Waste
Use specialized wet vacuums or pumps rated for hazardous waste. Shovel solids into heavy-duty bags for disposal. Porous materials like carpet, drywall, and insulation usually cannot be salvaged and must be discarded.
Deep Cleaning & Disinfection
Once the bulk of sewage is removed:
- Scrub all surfaces with detergent.
- Disinfect with a bleach solution or hospital-grade cleaner.
- Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry the space and combat mold growth.
Hours 12–24 — Drying, Air Quality, and Next Steps
Ventilate and Dry Thoroughly
Open windows and doors for airflow. Mold and bacteria thrive in moisture, drying out every surface stops growth at the source.
Assess Structural Safety
If sewage has soaked deep into walls or flooring, structural integrity may be compromised. In such cases, it’s safest to bring in professionals rather than risk inadequate cleanup.
When to Call a Professional for Sewage Cleanup in Fresno
DIY attempts can expose you to health risks and often miss hidden contamination. Certified cleanup professionals offer:
- Advanced extraction and drying equipment
- Industrial-grade disinfectants
- Expertise in mold prevention and structural drying
For emergency sewage cleanup in Fresno, PuroClean of South Merced offers fast, thorough, and safe restoration services. Their trained technicians handle biohazard cleanup so you can focus on recovery, not risk.
Why PuroClean of South Merced Is Your Best Choice
When every minute counts, you need a team that responds quickly and reliably.
- 24/7 emergency cleanup services
- Certified biohazard and contamination expertise
- Advanced equipment for fast drying and sanitation
- Local knowledge of Fresno infrastructure and risks
📞 Call now (209) 720-4653 to restore your space, don’t wait until mold and structural damage set in.
PuroClean of South Merced 