Sewage backup is one of the most common — and most hazardous — disasters homeowners face. Raw sewage contains bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), viruses (Hepatitis A, Norovirus), parasites, and chemical contaminants. Every minute it sits in your home, the damage gets worse and the health risk increases.
Immediate Steps (First 30 Minutes)
- Stop the source if possible — don't flush toilets or run water. Turn off the main water supply if sewage is actively flowing
- Turn off electricity to affected areas — water and electricity don't mix. Use the breaker panel, NOT outlets in the affected area
- Evacuate the affected area — keep children and pets away. The fumes alone can cause illness
- Open windows for ventilation (if safe to do so without walking through contaminated areas)
- Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove standing water — only wet/dry vacuums with proper HEPA filtration
- Call a professional cleanup company — this is not a DIY job. Call now: (855) 566-2405
- Call your insurance company — report the incident immediately
- Document everything — take photos and video before cleanup begins
Health Risks of Sewage Exposure
Raw sewage is classified as Category 3 water damage — the most hazardous category. It contains:
| Pathogen Type | Examples | Health Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteria | E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter | Severe diarrhea, kidney failure, death in vulnerable individuals |
| Viruses | Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Rotavirus | Liver damage, severe gastroenteritis |
| Parasites | Giardia, Cryptosporidium, roundworms | Chronic intestinal illness |
| Gases | Hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia | Respiratory damage, asphyxiation (in confined spaces) |
| Chemicals | Household chemicals, pharmaceuticals | Skin irritation, poisoning |
Vulnerable populations: Children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk. If anyone in your household falls into these categories, evacuate the entire home until cleanup is complete.
What Professional Cleanup Involves
Phase 1: Assessment and Containment
- Moisture mapping to determine the full extent of contamination
- Containment barriers to prevent spread to unaffected areas
- Air quality testing
Phase 2: Water Extraction
- Industrial pumps and wet vacuums remove standing water
- All porous materials in contact with sewage are removed: carpet, padding, drywall (up to 12+ inches above the water line), insulation, particle board
Phase 3: Decontamination
- Hospital-grade antimicrobial treatment of all affected surfaces
- Concrete and subfloor treatment
- HVAC system cleaning if contamination entered ductwork
Phase 4: Drying
- Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers run for 3–5 days
- Daily moisture readings until materials reach acceptable levels (<15% for wood, <1% for concrete)
Phase 5: Restoration
- Drywall replacement, new flooring, painting
- Final clearance testing
Cleanup Costs
| Scope | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small area (single bathroom, <50 sq ft) | $2,000 — $4,000 |
| Moderate (basement or single room, 50–200 sq ft) | $4,000 — $8,000 |
| Large (multiple rooms, 200+ sq ft) | $8,000 — $15,000 |
| Full basement flood with finished space | $10,000 — $25,000+ |
Costs include extraction, decontamination, and drying. Restoration (new drywall, flooring, etc.) is typically additional — $5,000—$20,000+ depending on scope.
Insurance Coverage
Standard homeowner's insurance does NOT cover sewer backup. This is the #1 thing people don't realize until it's too late.
- Sewer backup rider — an add-on to your homeowner's policy, typically $40—$100/year. Coverage limits usually $5,000—$25,000
- Flood insurance — covers water damage from external flooding (NFIP or private) but NOT sewer backup from internal plumbing
- Municipal liability — if the backup was caused by a city sewer line failure, the municipality may be liable. Document the cause
Action item: Check your policy TODAY. If you don't have sewer backup coverage, add it. It costs almost nothing compared to a $10,000+ cleanup bill.
Common Causes
- Tree root infiltration — roots grow into sewer lines seeking moisture. Most common cause in homes 20+ years old
- Clogged main sewer line — grease, "flushable" wipes (they're not actually flushable), feminine products
- City sewer overflow — heavy rain overwhelms combined sewer systems. Common in older cities
- Broken/collapsed sewer pipe — age, ground shifting, poor installation
- Sump pump failure — power outage during heavy rain, mechanical failure, overwhelmed capacity
Prevention
- Install a backwater valve — $1,000—$3,000 installed. Prevents sewage from flowing back into your home. Required by code in some areas
- Camera inspection — $100—$300 to have your sewer line scoped annually. Catches tree roots and deterioration early
- Battery backup sump pump — $200—$500. Works during power outages when you need it most
- Never flush — wipes, grease, feminine products, paper towels, or anything other than toilet paper
- Know your cleanout location — the external access point to your sewer line. If you ever need emergency service, knowing where this is saves time
DIY vs. Professional
Do NOT attempt DIY cleanup for sewage backup. This is not the same as mopping up clean water. The IICRC S500 standard classifies sewage as Category 3 — the same biohazard category as blood and bodily fluids. Professional equipment, PPE, and disposal methods are required.
The only exception: if the backup is tiny (a toilet overflow with only urine, immediately contained, less than a few square feet) AND you have proper gloves, disinfectant, and ventilation. Anything beyond that — call a professional.
Dealing with a sewage backup right now? Call (855) 566-2405 for immediate help or find a vetted cleanup professional in your area. Time matters — act within 24 hours.