The short answer
The Immediate Health Risks
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens that pose serious health threats. Contact with contaminated water or surfaces can lead to infections, gastrointestinal illness, and skin rashes. Inhaling airborne droplets or particles can also cause respiratory problems. These risks make it unsafe for you to attempt cleanup yourself without proper protective gear and training.
Because of these dangers, your first step is to keep everyone out of the affected area. If you must enter briefly to shut off electricity, wear rubber boots and gloves you can discard. Do not use household fans, as they can spread contaminants. The priority is to call local water damage pros who are equipped for sewage hazards.
The Professional Cleanup Process
The pros begin by assessing the extent of contamination and creating a plan. They pump out standing sewage water and remove all porous materials that cannot be salvaged, such as saturated carpets, drywall, and insulation. This removal is critical to eliminate the primary source of pathogens and odor from the home.
Next, they perform a thorough cleaning of all remaining surfaces with industrial-grade disinfectants and antimicrobial agents. This step targets the invisible microbial contamination left behind after the bulk waste is gone. Special attention is paid to crevices, subflooring, and wall cavities to ensure the area is sanitized for safety.
- Removing all contaminated porous materials like carpet and drywall.
- Pressure washing and scrubbing structural elements with EPA-registered disinfectants.
- Applying antimicrobial treatments to inhibit future microbial growth.
- Using air scrubbers with HEPA filters to clean the air of contaminants.
- Safely bagging and disposing of all hazardous waste according to regulations.
- Deodorizing the space to address persistent sewage odors.
Drying and Structural Repairs
After cleaning, the area must be completely dried. The pros use industrial air movers, dehumidifiers, and specialized drying equipment to remove moisture from wood, concrete, and other building materials. They monitor moisture levels with meters to confirm the structure is dry, which prevents secondary damage like wood rot and mold growth.
Once dry, the rebuilding phase can start. This involves repairing or replacing structural components like subfloors, wall studs, and drywall. The goal is to restore the property to its pre-loss condition. This step often requires coordination with other trades, such as plumbers to fix the sewer line issue that caused the backup.
Handling Belongings and Valuables
Many belongings touched by sewage cannot be saved. Non-porous items like glass, metal, or hard plastics may be cleaned and disinfected. However, porous items like upholstered furniture, mattresses, and stuffed toys typically need to be discarded due to the deep contamination that cleaning cannot remove.
Some valuable items may require specialized restoration. Documents, photographs, electronics, and artwork need careful evaluation. Local water damage pros can often coordinate with specialists for these items. It is important to document everything for a potential insurance claim, but do not bring contaminated items into clean areas of your home.
- Document all damaged items with photos or video for records.
- Discard obviously contaminated porous items like stuffed toys and mattresses.
- Consult with the pros about cleaning hard-surface items like dishes.
- Ask about specialized services for critical documents or electronics.
- Never attempt to clean sewage-soaked books or papers yourself.
- Keep a detailed inventory list of all lost and salvaged items.
Insurance and Cost Considerations
The cost for sewage restoration depends heavily on the size of the affected area, the extent of contamination, and the materials needing repair. It often ranges from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Factors like the need for structural repairs or content restoration significantly influence the final price.
Many homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for sudden and accidental sewer backups, but not for failures due to lack of maintenance. You should contact your insurer immediately to start a claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep all receipts and documentation from the restoration pros to provide to your adjuster.
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Call Now (208) 537-2633Frequently asked questions
Is black water the same as sewage?
Yes, in restoration terms, sewage is categorized as black water. This means it is grossly contaminated with pathogens and waste from toilets or sewer lines. Gray water from sinks or showers is less contaminated, but it can become black water if left standing. Both require professional cleaning, but sewage poses the highest health risk.
How long does sewage restoration take?
A full restoration project can take several days to a few weeks. The timeline depends on the contamination level, size of the area, drying time, and complexity of repairs. The cleaning and drying phase must be complete before any rebuilding can begin, which adds to the overall duration.
Can I stay in my home during the work?
It is often unsafe to stay during the initial extraction and cleaning phases due to health hazards. For extensive projects, temporary relocation may be necessary. The pros can advise on safety based on the specific situation. Always prioritize your family's health over convenience during this process.