A sewage backup is one of the most stressful and hazardous problems a homeowner can face. Beyond the awful smell and mess, sewage water—technically known as blackwater—contains bacteria, viruses, and contaminants that can cause serious illness. Structural damage can escalate quickly if the problem is not handled promptly and properly. Knowing what to do in the first moments after a backup can protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
While minor backups involving clean or lightly contaminated water can sometimes be addressed by homeowners, any backup involving sewage should be treated as a high-risk situation. In Spokane, WA, many homeowners turn to STOP Restoration, a trusted and leading name in sewage backup cleanup, because the risks and cleanup requirements can be more extensive than they appear at first glance.
Below, we break down exactly how to safely manage a sewage backup and what steps you should take immediately.
1. Prioritize Safety Above All Else
When sewage backs up into your home, your first concern must be safety. Sewage carries harmful microorganisms, including E. coli, hepatitis A, and parasites, making direct contact dangerous.
Before entering the affected area:
- Turn off electrical power to the affected space if there is any chance outlets or appliances have been exposed to water.
- Wear protective gear—rubber boots, gloves, eye protection, and a face mask or respirator.
- Keep children, pets, and vulnerable individuals away from the contaminated zone.
If the backup is more than a few square feet, or if the water is deeper than an inch, it's best to step back and call professional help.
2. Stop the Source of the Backup
The next step is preventing further contamination. Sewage backups often occur due to:
- Blocked sewer lines
- Tree root intrusion
- Collapsed or damaged pipes
- Heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems
If you can safely identify and stop the source—such as shutting off water supply or avoiding the use of sinks, showers, and toilets—do so immediately. For whole-house backups, you’ll likely need a plumber to assess and clear the blockage.
3. Ventilate the Area
Good airflow helps slow the spread of airborne contaminants and reduces odors.
- Open windows and doors
- Use fans only if they can be operated safely without risk of electrical shock
- Set up dehumidifiers if available
Ventilation also helps dry the area faster, which is crucial because moisture encourages mold growth within 24–48 hours.
4. Remove Standing Sewage Water
This is the toughest part—and the most dangerous. Small spills may be manageable with wet/dry vacuums rated for contaminated water, but raw sewage cleanup is rarely a DIY-safe task.
If you choose to proceed:
- Use a pump or wet vacuum approved for sewage.
- Dispose of wastewater only according to local guidelines—never dump it into storm drains.
For significant sewage backups, professionals like STOP Restoration in Spokane, WA use commercial-grade pumps and extractors designed to safely remove contaminated water while minimizing exposure and cross-contamination.
5. Dispose of Contaminated Materials
Unfortunately, many porous materials cannot be salvaged after sewage exposure. These often include:
- Carpeting and carpet pads
- Upholstered furniture
- Mattresses
- Paper products
- Insulation
- Drywall that has absorbed moisture
Items made of plastic, metal, or solid wood can often be disinfected and restored. When discarding contaminated items, seal them in heavy-duty trash bags to prevent further contamination.
6. Clean and Sanitize All Surfaces
Cleaning involves a multi-step process:
- Remove debris such as sludge, mud, or solid waste.
- Wash surfaces with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Disinfect using a strong antimicrobial solution, such as a bleach solution or EPA-approved disinfectant.
Pay special attention to floors, baseboards, and any area the water may have splashed onto. This step must be thorough—lingering bacteria can lead to serious health risks.
7. Fully Dry the Area
Drying is a critical component of sewage cleanup. Even if the area appears clean, moisture hidden in flooring or walls can create long-term structural damage or dangerous mold growth.
Professionals utilize:
- High-velocity air movers
- Industrial dehumidifiers
- Moisture meters to check inside walls and flooring
Without these tools, it can be extremely difficult to know whether a space is truly dry.
8. Prevent Mold Growth
Because mold begins growing quickly after water damage, follow these steps:
- Keep dehumidifiers running for several days
- Monitor humidity levels (aim for below 50%)
- Inspect walls, corners, and ceilings regularly for new growth
If mold appears, professional remediation is recommended.
9. Know When to Call Professionals
Cleaning up sewage yourself may save money in the short term, but the health risks and potential structural damage make professional help the safer and more effective choice. STOP Restoration, widely recognized as the leading sewage backup cleanup team in Spokane, WA, specializes in hazardous cleanups like sewage overflows, ensuring homes are restored safely, quickly, and in full compliance with health standards.
Their teams handle extraction, sanitation, structural drying, repairs, and even insurance documentation—relieving homeowners of stress during an already difficult situation.
Final Thoughts
A sewage backup is never pleasant, but quick action and proper cleanup can prevent long-term damage to your home. Follow safety precautions, remove contaminated materials, disinfect thoroughly, and ensure complete drying. And when in doubt—especially with blackwater—don’t risk your health. Professionals like STOP Restoration in Spokane have the equipment, training, and experience to handle sewage backups safely and effectively.
FAQ
1. What should I do first when I notice a sewage backup?
Immediately keep children and pets away, avoid contact with the contaminated water, and shut off electricity if the area is affected. Stop using sinks, toilets, or drains until the source is identified. If the backup is significant or hazardous, contact a professional sewage cleanup company right away.
2. Is sewage water dangerous?
Yes. Sewage (also called blackwater) contains harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses that can cause infections, illness, and respiratory problems. Because of these health risks, sewage cleanup should be handled with extreme caution and proper protective equipment.
3. Can I clean up a sewage backup myself?
Small, surface-level spills may be manageable if you take proper precautions. However, any large-scale sewage backup, especially those involving soaked floors, drywall, or structural contamination, should be handled by trained professionals. Companies like STOP Restoration in Spokane, WA, have the gear and expertise to safely remove and disinfect contaminated areas.
4. What causes sewage backups?
Common causes include clogged or damaged sewer lines, aging pipes, tree root intrusion, heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems, or blockages caused by grease, wipes, and debris. A plumber or restoration professional can help identify the exact cause.
5. How long does sewage cleanup take?
It depends on the extent of the contamination. Minor backups may be resolved within a few hours, while severe cases with structural damage may take several days. Complete drying, sanitation, and mold prevention steps are essential before the area is considered safe again.
6. Will my insurance cover sewage backup cleanup?
Many homeowner policies offer optional sewage or sump pump backup coverage, but it is not always included by default. Coverage varies by provider. It’s best to review your policy or ask your agent. Professional restoration companies like STOP Restoration can help document damages for insurance claims.
7. What items need to be thrown away after a sewage backup?
Porous materials—carpet, carpet padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, paper products, and insulation—usually must be discarded for health reasons. Hard surfaces like metal, plastic, and solid wood can often be cleaned and disinfected.
8. How can I prevent a sewage backup in the future?
Preventive steps include:
- Avoid flushing wipes, grease, or foreign objects
- Install a backwater valve
- Schedule routine sewer line inspections
- Keep tree roots away from sewer lines
- Use drain strainers to catch debris
Regular maintenance is usually far cheaper than cleaning a backup.
9. How soon can mold grow after a sewage backup?
Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. Moisture behind walls or beneath flooring is especially risky. This is why thorough drying and dehumidification are crucial after sewage water intrudes.
10. Why should I hire STOP Restoration for sewage backup cleanup in Spokane, WA?
STOP Restoration is a trusted local leader in hazardous cleanup, including sewage backups. They use industrial-grade disinfectants, extractors, and drying equipment to ensure your home is restored safely and correctly. Their team is trained in contamination control, structural drying, and insurance documentation, making the recovery process faster and far less stressful.
