Few household disasters are as overwhelming as a sewage backup. One moment, your home is your sanctuary. The next, you’re dealing with contaminated water, an unbearable stench, and the looming threat of illness.
Each year, around 3.5 million Americans fall sick from exposure to polluted water according to American Rivers. When raw sewage seeps into your floors, walls, and air, fast action is a necessity. Some homeowners attempt DIY sewage cleanup, but without industrial-grade equipment and professional sewage cleaning techniques, hidden moisture and contaminants remain.
The good news? You don’t have to tackle this alone. Whether it’s a burst sewer line or a slow backup creeping into your basement, reliable sewage cleanup services can restore your home quickly and safely.
Sewage Backup and Its Dangers
Sewage backups happen for different reasons, and when they do, they bring serious risks. A small clog might start as an inconvenience, but if left alone, it can lead to a full-blown home sewage emergency.
It’s not just about the mess. It’s about the bacteria, mold, and toxic gases that can spread through your home.
Common Causes of Sewage Backups
Sewage problems usually don’t happen overnight. Some develop slowly, while others hit fast. The most common causes include:
- Clogged drains or sewer lines from grease, hair, and foreign objects
- Heavy rainfall overloading municipal sewer systems
- Tree roots breaking into underground pipes
- Aging or damaged sewer lines that collapse or crack
Health Risks from Sewage Exposure
Raw sewage is loaded with harmful bacteria and viruses. Exposure can cause serious infections and illnesses. Some risks include:
- Bacteria and viruses like E. coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A
- Mold growth leading to respiratory problems and long-term health issues
- Toxic gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide, which can cause dizziness and nausea
First Steps to Take After a Sewage Backup
A sewage backup can happen at any time, and when it does, acting fast can reduce damage and health risks. The first thing to do is protect yourself and your home before calling for emergency sewage cleanup.
Ensure Safety First
The most important thing to do first is to ensure personal safety. If standing water is near electrical outlets, shutting off power to the affected area is necessary to prevent electrocution. Avoiding direct contact with sewage water is also critical, as it can contain bacteria and viruses that pose serious health risks.
If strong odors cause dizziness or nausea, leaving the area is the safest choice.
Stop Further Damage
Once safety concerns are addressed, preventing further damage becomes the next priority. If possible, turning off the main water supply can help stop additional sewage from backing up into the home. It’s also essential to avoid using any plumbing fixtures, including toilets and sinks, until a professional can assess the situation.
Ventilate the Area
Proper ventilation helps reduce lingering odors and airborne contaminants. Opening windows and doors allows fresh air to circulate, and if it’s safe, using fans can help speed up the drying process.
Call a Professional Cleanup Service
A sewage backup contains contaminants that require professional sewage cleaning. Experts will assess the damage, clean up the mess, and disinfect your home to keep it safe.
The Professional Sewage Cleanup Process
Professional cleanup teams follow a specific process to ensure your home is thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and safe to live in again. Here is what you can expect from your sewage cleanup.
Assessment and Containment
Before starting the cleanup, professionals inspect the affected area and determine the cause of the backup. They also set up containment barriers to stop contamination from spreading.
Water Extraction and Waste Removal
Once the assessment is complete, the next step involves extracting standing water and removing any solid waste. High-powered vacuums and pumps are used to clear out sewage, while damaged materials like soaked carpets, drywall, and insulation may need to be removed and replaced.
Waste disposal follows strict guidelines to ensure that hazardous materials are handled safely.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Once the sewage is removed, all surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized. This step includes:
- Scrubbing floors, walls, and affected materials with disinfectants
- Applying non-toxic cleaners to eliminate bacteria and viruses
- Using industrial-strength solutions that are safe for pets and children
Dehumidification and Drying
Water damage creates the perfect conditions for mold. Professionals use:
- Air movers and dehumidifiers to dry walls, floors, and furniture
- Moisture meters to ensure no hidden damp spots remain
Final Inspection and Air Quality Testing
Professionals will test air quality to make sure the space is free from harmful contaminants. Once this process is complete, the home is safe for re-entry, and steps can be taken to prevent future backups.
Preventing Future Sewage Backups
A sewage backup can create a huge mess, but there are ways to reduce the likelihood of one happening in the first place.
Routine drain maintenance is the first step. Scheduling regular sewer line inspections helps catch small issues before they become major problems. Using organic drain cleaners instead of chemical-heavy products also helps keep pipes clear without causing long-term damage.
Proper waste disposal plays a big role in preventing blockages. Items like wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products should never be flushed, as they don’t break down properly. Grease and food scraps can also cause major clogs, so they should be disposed of in the trash instead of the sink.
For added protection, installing a backflow prevention device can help stop sewage from flowing back into your home, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Older pipes are more likely to crack, collapse, or corrode, making sewage repair necessary to prevent leaks and future backups.
Fast, Affordable, and Thorough Cleanup
A sewage cleanup emergency isn’t just messy; it’s a threat to your home and health. Acting quickly and calling in professionals ensures your space is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and safe to live in again. Proper cleanup prevents long-term damage, mold growth, and lingering contamination.
At Syracuse Drains, we go beyond standard cleanup. We disinfect using organic, non-toxic solutions that won’t leave your home smelling like chemicals. Plus, we’re local, affordable, and available 24/7. No franchise markups, no unnecessary upsells; just reliable service when you need it most.
Call Syracuse Drains now for immediate cleanup and peace of mind.