The short answer
Start with Safety First
Before touching anything, shut off power to the affected rooms if it is safe to do so. Sewage water conducts electricity, so standing water near outlets or appliances is a hazard. Open windows and doors to improve airflow, and wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask to reduce contact with contaminants.
Keep children and pets away from the area. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Do not attempt to wade through sewage water unless you have proper protective gear. The health risks from bacteria and viruses are real, so treat every spill as hazardous until it is cleaned.
- Turn off power at the breaker if safe
- Open windows for ventilation
- Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask
- Keep kids and pets away
- Avoid touching sewage with bare skin
Remove Water and Damaged Items
Use a wet vacuum or pump to remove standing water, but only if you are comfortable and protected. Dispose of porous items that soaked up sewage, such as carpet, padding, upholstered furniture, drywall, and insulation. These materials cannot be fully cleaned and should be thrown away.
Non-porous items like metal, glass, and hard plastic may be salvageable, but they need thorough washing and disinfection. Bag and remove all debris promptly to prevent further contamination. The longer sewage sits, the deeper it soaks into surfaces, so work quickly.
- Wet vacuum or pump out standing water
- Throw away carpet, padding, and drywall
- Discard upholstered furniture and insulation
- Wash hard surfaces with soap and water
- Disinfect with a bleach solution
Clean and Disinfect Thoroughly
After removing water and debris, scrub all hard surfaces with soap and water. Then apply a disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses. A bleach solution (one cup bleach per gallon of water) works on many surfaces, but test an inconspicuous area first. Rinse and allow surfaces to dry completely.
Pay attention to baseboards, door frames, and any cracks where moisture can hide. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed drying. If the area remains damp for days, mold can grow on top of the sewage damage, adding another problem. Thorough drying is essential.
- Scrub all hard surfaces with soap and water
- Apply a bacteria-killing disinfectant
- Use a bleach solution on non-porous surfaces
- Dry with fans and dehumidifiers
- Check for hidden moisture in cracks
When to Bring in the Pros
Sewage cleanup is not a typical DIY job. The pros have industrial-grade equipment and disinfectants that reach areas you cannot. If the backup affected a large area, soaked into walls or flooring, or involves the main sewer line, professional help is often the safest choice.
Local water damage pros can assess the extent of the damage, remove contaminated materials, and dry the structure properly. They also handle disposal of biohazardous waste. If you live in a warm, dry climate, keep your shutoff valve location written down to reduce future risks. Acting fast limits damage.
Prevent Future Backups
After the cleanup, find out what caused the backup. A clogged main line or tree roots are common culprits. A plumber can inspect your sewer line and recommend fixes, such as clearing blockages or installing a backwater valve to prevent sewage from re-entering your home.
Regular maintenance helps too. Avoid flushing wipes, grease, or other items that clog pipes. Have your sewer line inspected periodically if you have an older home. These steps reduce the chance of a repeat mess. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered, so check your policy for sewage backup coverage.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesa and nearby communities.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up a sewage backup myself?
Small, contained backups on hard surfaces might be manageable, but any significant amount of sewage requires professional help. Sewage contains harmful pathogens, and improper cleaning can leave health risks. If the area is large or porous materials are involved, call the pros.
What should I throw away after a sewage backup?
Throw away anything porous that absorbed sewage, including carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and cardboard. Items like clothing and bedding should be discarded unless they can be washed in hot water with disinfectant. When in doubt, toss it out.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
The time depends on the extent of the damage, the size of the area, and drying conditions. A small backup might be cleaned in a day, while major flooding can take several days. The pros will assess and give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.