The short answer
Safety First Steps
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other hazards. You should avoid touching contaminated water or items until the area is safe. Turn off power to rooms where water may have reached, and keep children and pets away from the affected space. Open windows for airflow if it is safe to do so.
Personal protection matters. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you need to enter the area briefly. If you feel unwell or have breathing problems, leave the space and see a doctor. Your health comes before any cleanup effort.
Removing Contaminated Materials
The first major step is removing anything that soaked up sewage. This includes carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, and furniture that cannot be saved. Porous items hold bacteria and odors, so they usually need to be thrown away. Non-porous items like glass, metal, and hard plastic may be cleaned.
The pros will separate what can be saved from what must go. They use specialized equipment to lift and remove heavy materials safely. You should not try to move large contaminated items yourself. Let the pros handle the heavy work and disposal according to local rules.
- Carpet and padding usually cannot be saved
- Drywall and insulation are often removed
- Wood furniture may be salvageable if dried quickly
- Hard surfaces like tile and concrete can be cleaned
- Food and personal items should be thrown away
- Keep a list of what was removed for your records
Cleaning and Sanitizing Surfaces
After contaminated materials are gone, every surface in the affected area gets cleaned. The pros use industrial-grade cleaners and disinfectants that kill bacteria and viruses. They scrub walls, floors, and counters thoroughly. Special attention goes to cracks, corners, and baseboards where sewage can hide.
Sanitizing is not the same as ordinary cleaning. It uses stronger chemicals and longer contact times to kill pathogens. The pros follow safety guidelines for these products. They also ventilate the area well while working. You should stay out of the space until the cleaning is done and surfaces are dry.
- Cleaners break down dirt and residue
- Disinfectants kill bacteria and viruses
- High-touch areas get extra attention
- Surfaces are rinsed after cleaning
- Air movers help speed up drying
- Odor control products may be used
Drying and Dehumidifying the Area
Moisture left behind can cause mold, rot, and structural damage. After cleaning, the pros set up drying equipment. This includes air movers, dehumidifiers, and sometimes heaters. They run these machines for days, not hours, to pull moisture out of walls and floors.
The drying step is critical in humid climates. The pros monitor moisture levels with meters to know when the area is truly dry. This step cannot be rushed. Skipping it can lead to mold growth and costly repairs later.
Final Inspection and Repairs
The last step is checking that everything is clean, dry, and safe. The pros look for hidden moisture, lingering odors, and signs of mold. They may use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find damp spots behind walls. If repairs are needed, like replacing drywall or flooring, that work happens now.
You should walk through the area with the pros once they say it is ready. Ask questions about what was done and what you need to maintain. Keep records of the work for your insurance company. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. If you have concerns, contact your insurance company directly.
Talk to someone now
Call (214) 730-5993 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How long does sewage restoration take?
The time depends on the size of the affected area, how much water was present, and how fast drying goes. A small bathroom might take a few days, while a larger area could take a week or more. The pros will give you a realistic timeline after assessing the damage.
Can I clean sewage myself?
Small, contained spills might be manageable with proper safety gear and household bleach. However, large backups involve hidden contamination and health risks. The pros have industrial equipment and training to do the job thoroughly. If you feel unsure, it is safer to let the pros handle it.
What should I throw away after a sewage backup?
Anything porous that touched sewage should go, including carpet, drywall, insulation, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and cardboard. Food, baby items, and personal care products also need to be discarded. Hard surfaces like tile, metal, and glass can often be cleaned and kept.