How Do You Clean up After a Sewage Backup?

Your first priority is safety. Avoid contact with the sewage water, as it contains bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness. If you can do so safely, shut off the electricity to the affected area. Stop using all sinks, toilets, and showers to prevent adding more water to the backup.

Evacuate the area and keep children and pets away. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with household cleaners. This is a job for trained professionals with the proper equipment. Their first action will be a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the contamination and moisture.

Understanding what can be saved is crucial. The rule is simple: porous materials that absorbed contaminated water are a health hazard. These items trap bacteria and mold, making proper cleaning impossible. They must be removed and disposed of according to local health regulations.

Non-porous and semi-porous items have a better chance. Hard surfaces like tile, sealed wood, or glass can be thoroughly disinfected. For valuable porous items, specialized on-site contents cleaning might be an option, but the decision depends on the level of contamination.

• Carpet and padding are almost always removed and discarded.
• Drywall and insulation that absorbed sewage must be cut out and replaced.
• Non-porous items like metal or plastic can often be cleaned and sanitized.
• Porous furniture, such as upholstered sofas, may need specialized on-site cleaning.
• Contaminated personal items are evaluated; many may be unsalvageable.
• Flooring, including laminate or tile, may need removal to dry the subfloor.

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after calling the pros. Take many photos and videos of the damage before anything is moved or cleaned, as this documents the initial conditions for your claim. Keep a detailed list of all damaged items. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Most homeowner's policies cover sudden, accidental sewage backups, but not failures due to lack of maintenance. You will likely need to file a claim and pay your deductible. The pros can provide a detailed report and documentation to support your insurance claim process.