Why sewage is dangerous
Sewage backup is Category 3 black water. It can contain bacteria, viruses, parasites and other contaminants that can cause illness through contact, contaminated surfaces or aerosols.
What not to do
- Do not touch or walk through sewage water
- Do not try to mop it up yourself
- Do not use affected drains or plumbing
- Do not use a household vacuum or HVAC in the area
- Do not let children or pets near the affected space
- Do not keep food or porous items that contacted sewage
What to do instead
- Keep everyone away from the affected area
- Stop using water that drains toward the backup
- Ventilate only if you can do so safely without running HVAC
- Document from a safe distance for insurance
- Call certified cleanup professionals immediately
How professionals handle it
Certified crews use protective equipment, safe extraction, removal of contaminated porous materials, cleaning, disinfection, drying and deodorizing to restore the area to a safe condition.
The takeaway
Sewage backup is a biohazard, not a chore. The safest first move is to stay away, protect the household and let trained crews make the area safe.
FAQs
Is sewage backup safe to clean myself?
No. Sewage cleanup requires protective equipment, removal of contaminated materials and proper disinfection.
What water category is sewage backup?
Sewage backup is Category 3 black water, the highest contamination category used in restoration.
Does insurance cover sewage backup?
Coverage often depends on whether the policy has a sewer or drain backup endorsement. The insurance carrier decides coverage.