The short answer
Safety First
Before touching anything, shut off the electricity to the affected rooms if it is safe to do so. Also stop the water source if you can locate the shutoff valve. If you live in Chapel Hill, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can find it fast during an emergency.
Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Open windows to ventilate the space. Do not let children or pets enter the area. If you feel unwell from the smell or exposure, see a doctor.
Remove Standing Water
Use a wet vacuum or a pump to remove as much standing water as you can. Do not use a regular household vacuum because it is not made for water and can be dangerous. The water from a sewage backup is contaminated, so avoid splashing it onto skin or clothing.
Once the bulk of the water is gone, mop up the rest with towels or rags. Take those towels outside immediately and place them in a plastic bag. Do not wash them with regular laundry because the bacteria can spread.
Discard Contaminated Items
Anything porous that touched sewage water usually has to go. That includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, cardboard boxes, and drywall that is soaked. These items cannot be cleaned well enough to be safe, and they can keep holding bacteria and odors.
Items that are hard and non-porous, like plastic, glass, and metal, can often be washed and disinfected. But if you are unsure, it is better to throw it out. The pros can help you decide what is worth saving and what is not.
- Carpets and rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Mattresses and pillows
- Cardboard and paper items
- Drywall and insulation
- Food that touched the water
Clean and Disinfect
After removing the water and damaged items, clean all hard surfaces with a detergent and warm water. Then apply a disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses. Follow the label directions and let it sit for the recommended time before wiping.
Be thorough with baseboards, floors, and any lower walls that got wet. Pay special attention to cracks and corners where bacteria can hide. If the contamination is extensive, the pros use commercial-grade cleaners and equipment that most homeowners do not have.
Dry Everything Completely
Drying is a critical step. Use fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air and from floors and walls. Open windows if the weather allows. Keep the air moving for several days, not just a few hours.
If you skip proper drying, mold can start growing within a day or two. Check hidden spots like behind baseboards and under cabinets. If you notice a musty smell, that is a sign moisture is still trapped. The pros have moisture meters to find wet areas you cannot see.
Know When to Call the Pros
Sewage cleanup is not a do-it-yourself job for large backups. If the water covered a big area, soaked into walls, or reached the ceiling, you need professional help. The pros have the right protective gear, powerful drying equipment, and experience to handle contaminated water safely.
They also know how to remove and dispose of damaged materials properly. If you have a sewage backup in a basement or from a toilet, the pros can do the heavy work. You can read more about sewage backup cleanup and toilet sewage cleanup to understand what the process involves.
- Large flooded areas
- Water soaked into drywall or insulation
- Sewage from a main line or city sewer
- If you have health conditions or are pregnant
- If you are unsure how to dry the space fully
- If mold has started to grow
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Chapel Hill and nearby communities.
Call Now (919) 525-3233Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up a small sewage backup myself?
A small spill from a toilet that contains only clean water might be manageable. But any backup that includes sewage is a health hazard. If the area is small and you have proper gear, you can try, but professional help is safer for larger messes.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
The time depends on the size of the backup and how much material needs to be removed. Drying alone can take several days. The pros can give you a better idea after looking at the situation, but there is no set time for every job.
Will my insurance cover sewage backup cleanup?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Some policies include sewage backup coverage, but others do not. Check your policy or talk to your insurance agent to understand what your plan covers before a cleanup starts.