The short answer
Protect Yourself First
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make you sick. Before you touch anything, put on rubber boots, gloves, and eye protection. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to avoid breathing in particles. Open windows and doors to let fresh air move through the space.
Keep children and pets away from the affected area until the cleanup is complete. If you feel unwell at any point, see a doctor. The pros have the right gear and training to handle sewage safely, so you don't have to take that risk yourself.
Remove Contaminated Items
Anything porous that touched sewage should be thrown out. This includes carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, and upholstered furniture. These materials soak up sewage and cannot be fully cleaned. Bag them in heavy plastic and seal the bags before carrying them out.
Hard surfaces like tile, concrete, and metal can be cleaned and disinfected. First, remove any standing water and solids with a wet vacuum or shovel. Then wash the surfaces with a detergent and water solution to remove dirt before you disinfect. The pros can handle this safely and quickly.
- Throw out porous items like carpet and drywall
- Seal waste in heavy plastic bags
- Remove standing water with a wet vacuum
- Wash hard surfaces with detergent first
- Dry the area thoroughly after cleaning
Choose a Disinfectant
Use a disinfectant that is registered to kill bacteria and viruses. Look for a product label that lists sewage-related pathogens. Household bleach can work if it is mixed correctly, but follow the label directions for the right ratio of bleach to water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
Apply the disinfectant to all hard surfaces, including walls, floors, and countertops. Let it sit for the time stated on the label, usually several minutes, so it can actually kill the germs. The pros use industrial-strength disinfectants and know the proper contact time for each one.
- Check the label for bacteria and virus claims
- Mix bleach exactly as the label says
- Do not mix bleach with ammonia
- Apply to every hard surface
- Allow the disinfectant to sit for the full contact time
Dry Everything Thoroughly
Moisture is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. After disinfecting, dry the area as quickly as possible. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to pull moisture out of the air. In a humid climate like Rowlett, drying can take longer, so be patient and keep the air moving.
Check hidden areas like under cabinets and behind baseboards. If these spots stay damp, they can grow mold later. The pros use heavy-duty dehumidifiers and moisture meters to make sure everything is dry. You can also rent a dehumidifier if you want to speed things up yourself.
When to Call the Pros
If the sewage backup is large, or if it soaked into walls and floors, call local water damage pros. They have the equipment and expertise to clean, disinfect, and dry your home safely. They can also check for hidden moisture and damage that you might miss.
The pros will remove contaminated materials, disinfect all surfaces, and dry the structure. They can also help with related issues like drywall repair and flooring removal. If you live in Rowlett, keep the number of a reliable water damage service handy before an emergency happens.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rowlett and nearby communities.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
Can I clean sewage myself?
For small spills, you can clean with proper protective gear and disinfectant. But for large backups or if sewage soaked into walls, call the pros. They have the right equipment to do it safely and completely.
How long does disinfection take?
It depends on the size of the area and the amount of sewage. The disinfectant needs time to work, and drying can take days. The pros can give you a better idea once they see the situation.
Will my insurance cover sewage cleanup?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see if sewage backup is included. If not, you may need to pay for cleanup yourself.