Outdoor sewage spills are more than just unpleasant—they pose significant health and environmental risks. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical contaminants that can seep into soil, harm plants, contaminate waterways, and endanger people and pets. Whether the spill is caused by a septic system failure, a broken sewer line, or flooding, it needs to be addressed quickly and properly.
While minor spills may be manageable with proper precautions, larger sewage backups require professional remediation. For homeowners in the Inland Northwest, STOP Restoration is the leading name in sewage backup cleanup in Spokane, WA, providing expert, safe, and fast cleanup solutions.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean up an outdoor sewage spill—and when to call in the pros.
1. Prioritize Safety First
Before doing anything else, protect your health. Sewage contains pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and hepatitis viruses, so proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential.
Wear:
- Waterproof gloves
- Rubber boots
- Goggles or face shield
- Long sleeves and long pants
- N95 respirator or mask
Avoid touching your face and wash hands immediately after cleanup.
2. Stop the Source of the Spill
Identify what caused the spill so you can prevent more wastewater from escaping.
Common causes include:
- Septic tank overflow
- Broken or clogged sewer lines
- Tree root infiltration
- Flooding backups
- Damaged pipes
If possible, shut off the water supply to slow or stop additional flow. For broken pipes or septic failures, contact a licensed plumber or sewage cleanup service.
3. Keep People and Pets Away
Sewage exposure can cause infections and illness. Block off the area using cones, rope, or temporary fencing to ensure safety. Make sure children and pets stay far away from contaminated zones until it has been fully cleaned and sanitized.
4. Remove Solid Waste and Debris
Carefully clear solid waste and debris using shovels, rakes, or disposable tools. Place all contaminated materials into heavy-duty trash bags. Double-bag them to prevent leaks and dispose of them according to local waste management guidelines.
Avoid using regular household tools unless you plan to disinfect them thoroughly afterward.
5. Extract Standing Sewage Water
Any pooled sewage water must be removed to prevent it from seeping deeper into the soil or running into storm drains.
Use:
- Wet/dry vacuum (rated for hazardous liquids)
- Buckets
- Pumps (for large areas)
Never allow sewage water to enter storm drains—this is illegal in many areas and can contaminate natural water sources.
6. Disinfect the Affected Area
Once solids and liquids are cleared, the area must be sanitized. Outdoor cleanup requires solutions that kill pathogens but are safe for soil, plants, and animals.
Effective disinfectant options:
- Bleach solution (1 cup bleach per gallon of water)
- Commercial outdoor disinfectants designed for biohazard cleanup
Apply generously using a garden sprayer or watering can, ensuring the entire contaminated zone is treated. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing lightly.
7. Improve Soil Health and Remove Contaminated Layers (If Needed)
Sewage can saturate soil, harming plant life and causing lingering odors.
For lightly affected soil:
- Rake the top layer to aerate
- Allow sunlight to assist in natural sterilization
For heavily contaminated areas:
- Remove and dispose of 2–3 inches of soil
- Replace with clean topsoil or sand
If sewage has reached vegetable gardens or play areas, professional remediation is strongly recommended.
8. Promote Drying and Aeration
Moisture helps bacteria thrive, so fast drying is crucial. To speed up the process:
- Spread lime (agricultural lime) to neutralize odors and pathogens
- Use fans or blowers if the area is near a structure
- Rake the soil regularly
- Allow direct sunlight exposure whenever possible
Agricultural lime should be watered lightly into the soil and kept away from pets until it dissolves.
9. Prevent Future Sewage Spills
Once cleanup is complete, take steps to avoid another hazardous situation.
Preventive actions:
- Schedule routine septic tank pumping
- Avoid planting trees near sewer lines
- Only flush appropriate materials
- Repair aging or cracked pipes
- Install backflow preventers
These measures reduce the risk of repeat backups and costly damage.
10. Know When to Call the Professionals
While small, contained spills might be manageable for homeowners, any spill larger than 10 square feet, any sewage affecting gardens or water sources, or any recurring backup requires professional cleanup.
This is where expert help becomes critical.
STOP Restoration: Spokane’s Trusted Sewage Cleanup Specialists
If you’re dealing with a sewage spill in the Spokane area, STOP Restoration is the leading name in sewage backup cleanup in Spokane, WA. Their certified technicians use advanced equipment and industry-standard biohazard protocols to safely remove contamination, disinfect the area, restore damaged property, and prevent long-term issues.
Professional remediation ensures:
- Complete sanitization
- Protection of soil and groundwater
- Prevention of lingering odors
- Faster and safer cleanup
Final Thoughts
Cleaning up an outdoor sewage spill isn’t just unpleasant—it’s potentially dangerous when not handled correctly. By following the steps above, you can minimize health risks and environmental damage. However, when in doubt, rely on certified professionals.
For Spokane homeowners, STOP Restoration provides reliable, fast, and safe sewage cleanup services so you can protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
FAQ
1. What should I do first when I discover a sewage spill outdoors?
The first step is to prioritize safety. Keep people and pets away from the area, put on protective gear, and stop the source of the spill if possible. Avoid touching contaminated water without proper PPE.
2. Is it safe to clean up a sewage spill myself?
Small, contained spills may be safe to clean with proper precautions. However, larger spills, sewage near water sources, or contamination affecting gardens should be handled by professionals like STOP Restoration, the leading sewage cleanup service in Spokane, WA.
3. What protective equipment do I need for sewage cleanup?
Wear waterproof gloves, rubber boots, long sleeves, eye protection, and an N95 mask. This prevents exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in raw sewage.
4. How do I disinfect outdoor areas after removing sewage?
Use a disinfectant such as a bleach solution (1 cup per gallon of water) or a commercial outdoor sanitizer. Apply it generously, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and rinse lightly.
5. Can sewage-contaminated soil be saved?
Lightly contaminated soil can often recover with aeration and sunlight. For heavy contamination, it’s best to remove 2–3 inches of soil and replace it with clean topsoil. Severe cases should be professionally assessed.
6. How long does it take for an outdoor sewage spill to dry?
Drying time varies based on weather and soil type. Using lime, raking the soil, and allowing sunlight can speed up the drying process. Professional equipment accelerates drying significantly.
7. Can sewage water run into storm drains?
No. Allowing sewage to enter storm drains is unsafe and illegal in many areas because it can contaminate natural waterways. Always contain spills and pump out standing water safely.
8. What causes outdoor sewage spills?
Common causes include septic system overflow, tree root intrusion, sewer line breaks, clogged drains, and flooding. Identifying the cause quickly helps prevent the spill from worsening.
9. When should I call a professional for sewage cleanup?
Call a professional if the spill is large, recurring, affects gardens or play areas, or poses a risk to groundwater. STOP Restoration in Spokane, WA provides certified sewage cleanup for situations that exceed DIY safety or capacity.
10. How can I prevent future sewage spills?
Schedule regular septic maintenance, avoid flushing non-degradable items, repair aging pipes, and keep trees away from sewer lines. Installing backflow preventers also reduces the risk of sewage backups.
