- Alexander Rodriguez
How to Clean & Restore a Home After a Sewer Backup
Table of Contents
A sewer backup is one of the nastiest disasters a homeowner can face. The smell alone is overwhelming, but the real danger is what you can’t see—bacteria, viruses, and toxic gases that can pose serious health risks. If you’ve had sewage water in your home, you need to act fast to minimize damage, protect your health, and restore your home safely.
At ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts), we’ve helped countless homeowners clean up and restore their homes after sewer backups. Whether it’s a toilet overflow, a backed-up floor drain, or a city sewer line failure, this guide will show you exactly what to do next.
Why Sewer Backups Happen
Sewer backups can happen for a lot of reasons, and unfortunately, most of them aren’t under your control.
✔ Tree Roots in Sewer Lines – Tree roots grow into pipes, causing blockages.
✔ Clogged Pipes – Grease, paper towels, wipes, and other debris clogging your home’s pipes.
✔ Heavy Rain & Flooding – Too much water overwhelms city sewer systems, causing sewage to back up into homes.
✔ Collapsed or Broken Pipes – Old, damaged pipes crack, collapse, or shift, causing blockages.
✔ Septic Tank Failure – If you have a septic system, overflow or failure can push sewage into your home.
No matter what caused the backup, the cleanup needs to happen fast.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Sewer Backup
🚨 Sewage water is hazardous, so don’t try to handle the mess without taking precautions.
1️⃣ Stop Using Water in Your Home
If you notice sewage backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets, stop running water immediately.
✔ Turn off toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines.
✔ If you have a basement drain, avoid flushing toilets—this could make the backup worse.
✔ Call a plumber if needed to clear your main drain line.
2️⃣ Stay Away from Contaminated Water
Sewage is full of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make you seriously sick.
✔ Avoid touching contaminated water—even if it “looks clean.”
✔ Do not let pets near the affected area.
✔ Wear protective gear (gloves, boots, mask) if you must go near it.
🚨 Pro Tip: If the water reaches electrical outlets or appliances, shut off the power at your breaker box (but only if it’s safe to do so).
3️⃣ Call a Professional Restoration Company
Sewer water isn’t like a normal flood—it’s classified as Category 3 (Black Water), meaning it contains harmful contaminants. This is not a DIY job.
📞 Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 for emergency sewage cleanup.
How to Clean Up a Sewer Backup (Step-by-Step Guide)
Once the backup is under control, it’s time for cleaning and restoration.
1️⃣ Remove Standing Water
🚫 Do NOT use a regular vacuum—you need a wet/dry shop vac or professional extraction equipment.
✔ If the water is deep, use a pump to remove excess water.
✔ Mop up smaller amounts of standing water.
✔ Use towels and rags to soak up water from floors.
🚨 If there’s a lot of water, call ERX for professional water extraction.
2️⃣ Dispose of Contaminated Items
Unfortunately, most porous items that touch sewage water cannot be salvaged.
🗑 Throw away:
✔ Carpets & rugs – Sewage soaks into fibers, and they can’t be fully cleaned.
✔ Mattresses & upholstered furniture – These absorb bacteria and are unsafe to keep.
✔ Food & pantry items – Even canned goods exposed to sewer water should be tossed.
✔ Paper products (books, boxes, drywall, insulation) – These hold moisture and breed mold.
🚨 Pro Tip: Take photos of all damaged items for insurance claims before throwing them away.
3️⃣ Disinfect & Sanitize All Surfaces
After removing contaminated materials, deep cleaning is a must.
✔ Hard surfaces (tile, concrete, metal, plastic) – Clean with hot water and a bleach solution (1 cup of bleach per gallon of water).
✔ Walls & baseboards – Wipe down with disinfectant.
✔ Floors – Mop with a strong antibacterial cleaner.
🚨 Pro Tip: If the backup affected drywall or insulation, it will likely need to be replaced.
4️⃣ Dry the Area Completely
Moisture left behind causes mold—so everything needs to be dried ASAP.
✔ Open windows & use fans for ventilation.
✔ Use dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air.
✔ If water soaked into walls or flooring, call ERX for professional drying services.
How to Prevent Future Sewer Backups
No one wants to deal with sewage flooding their home twice. Here’s how to reduce your risk:
✔ Don’t pour grease down the drain – It hardens and causes clogs.
✔ Only flush toilet paper – Wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products clog pipes.
✔ Install a backflow valve – Prevents sewage from backing up into your home.
✔ Have your sewer line inspected – Tree roots and cracks can cause backups.
✔ If you have a septic tank, schedule regular maintenance.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you notice slow drains, gurgling toilets, or bad odors coming from pipes, you may have a blockage forming—get it checked before it turns into a full-blown backup.
When to Call a Professional for Sewer Cleanup
Sewage is dangerous—this isn’t just a simple water spill. Professional cleanup ensures all bacteria, toxins, and damage are handled safely.
Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 if:
✅ There’s more than a small puddle of water
✅ The sewage soaked into walls, flooring, or furniture
✅ You see mold growing after the backup
✅ You need help removing damaged materials & disinfecting
FAQs About Sewer Backups & Cleanup
Q: Is it safe to clean a sewer backup myself?
A: No. Sewer water contains harmful bacteria and viruses. If the spill is more than a small toilet overflow, you need professional cleanup.
Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover a sewer backup?
A: Sometimes. Many policies don’t cover backups unless you have sewer backup insurance. Check your policy.
Q: How long does it take to clean up a sewer backup?
A: It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor spills can be cleaned in a day, while major flooding may take several days to dry and sanitize.
Q: Can I keep furniture that got wet from a sewer backup?
A: No. Upholstered furniture, carpets, and mattresses can’t be fully disinfected and should be thrown out.
Q: How can I prevent my basement from flooding with sewage?
A: Install a backwater valve and keep your sewer lines free of grease, tree roots, and debris.
