The short answer
What Makes Sewage Dangerous
Sewage water carries bacteria, viruses, and parasites that thrive in human and animal waste. Common examples include E. Coli, hepatitis A, and salmonella. These pathogens can enter your body through skin contact, breathing in contaminated mist, or touching your face after handling affected items.
Beyond pathogens, sewage contains chemical residues from household cleaners, personal care products, and industrial waste that may flow into the system. Even diluted sewage can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or stomach problems. The risk is highest when sewage is fresh, warm, and untreated.
Health Risks from Exposure
Direct contact with sewage can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and eye or ear problems. Breathing in airborne particles from sewage can irritate your lungs and trigger asthma or other respiratory conditions. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risks.
If you feel unwell after any exposure, see a doctor. Wash any skin that touched sewage with soap and clean water right away. Remove and bag contaminated clothing, and do not eat or drink near the affected area. Do not attempt to clean up sewage yourself without proper protective gear.
- Wear rubber boots, gloves, and eye protection if you must enter the area
- Open windows and use fans to ventilate the space
- Keep children and pets away from any affected rooms
- Do not use household fans that blow air from the contaminated area into clean rooms
- Throw away porous items like carpet, drywall, and mattresses that soaked up sewage
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact
Why Professional Cleanup Matters
Cleaning sewage is not like drying a clean water spill. The porous surfaces in your home, such as drywall, wood, and carpet, can trap pathogens and moisture, allowing mold and bacteria to grow. Simple wiping and air drying will not remove the health risk.
Local water damage pros use specialized equipment to extract contaminated water, remove affected materials, and apply sanitation treatments that neutralize biological hazards. They also check hidden areas like crawlspaces and wall cavities where sewage may have seeped, ensuring the contamination is addressed at the source.
Steps to Take Right Now
If sewage backs up into your home, act quickly to protect your health and property. Turn off the water supply to stop additional flow, if you can do so safely. Shut off electricity in the affected area if there is standing water, and contact your insurance company to report the damage.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Take photos of the affected areas and items before any cleanup begins, but do not enter the room if there is a risk of electrical shock or structural damage. Wait for the pros to handle the extraction and sanitation work.
When to Call the Pros
You should call the pros any time sewage water has touched your home's structure, flooring, or belongings. The longer contaminated water sits, the deeper it soaks into porous materials and the harder it becomes to fully sanitize the area.
In Rowlett, heavy spring storms can overwhelm sewer systems and cause backups. If you live in Rowlett, know where your main shutoff valve is located and keep the area clear. The pros can handle sewage backup cleanup and sanitation, including removing soaked drywall and flooring that cannot be safely saved.
Need help right now?
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rowlett and nearby communities.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up sewage water myself?
Cleaning sewage yourself is risky because you may not have the protective gear or disinfectants to remove all pathogens. Even small amounts can cause illness. It is safer to leave the job to the pros, who have the right equipment and training.
What should I throw away after a sewage backup?
Throw away anything porous that touched sewage, including carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. Hard surfaces like tile and concrete can often be cleaned and sanitized. When in doubt, discard the item to protect your health.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
The time depends on the size of the affected area and how much water and waste are involved. The pros first extract standing water, then remove damaged materials and sanitize the space. Larger jobs with hidden contamination may take longer to complete properly.