How to Clean Up After Sewage Backups

Remove children and pets from the area where the sewage backup occurred. They are especially vulnerable to harmful bacteria and viruses found in raw sewage.

Dress in protective clothing such as a long shirt and pants, rubber gloves, rubber boots, eye goggles and a face mask during cleanup. Dispose of all these items after use.

Open all windows and doors to help increase ventilation.

Check for any electrical hazards, gas leaks or toxic materials that may be present before attempting to clean up a sewage backup. Seek the help of a professional if necessary.

Remove all furniture, rugs and household items that can be salvaged from the area where the sewage backup occurred. Clean them thoroughly with a mixture of one gallon of warm water and a tablespoon of bleach.

Dispose of any furniture, rugs and household items that have been saturated by liquid or wastes from the sewage backup and are unable to be cleaned, disinfected and sanitized.

Use a broom and shovel to pick up solid wastes. Dispose of them in a heavy-duty garbage bag.

Use hot water and a mild detergent to clean any hard surfaces, such as wood, hardwood floors, concrete, metal and linoleum. Add a tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of warm water and thoroughly rinse hard surfaces. Allow hard surfaces to air-dry.

Remove and dispose of any paneling, drywall, lath or plasterboard that have been saturated by liquid. You can replace these items once the area has completely dried.

Use a mop to dry any excess liquid from the sewage backup. According to cityofdearborn.org, a wet vacuum may only be used if it's plugged into a ground fault-equipped outlet or fault circuit interrupter. Dispose of liquid inside of a sewage system only, not a storm drain, warns Workers Health Centre.

Allow floors and surfaces to dry thoroughly before replacing carpeting, furniture, drywall or any other items. This is to prevent mold from developing. According to Workers Health Centre, it may take up to 30 days for everything to dry completely.