The short answer
Safety First
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can make you sick. You should avoid touching any contaminated water or surfaces. Leave the area immediately and keep children and pets away. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.
The pros wear protective gear like gloves, boots, and respirators. They also set up barriers to keep the contamination from spreading to other parts of your home. Your safety is the main reason to let trained people handle the cleanup.
Removing Contaminated Materials
Things like carpet, drywall, and insulation that soak up sewage usually have to go. The pros cut away porous materials and bag them for disposal. Non-porous items like tile, metal, and some plastics can often be cleaned and saved.
Anything you want to keep, like furniture or electronics, should be checked by a professional. For example, electronics restoration may be possible if the device wasn't submerged for long. But porous items are hard to save once sewage touches them.
- Carpet and padding are usually removed
- Drywall and insulation are cut out and replaced
- Wood and concrete can often be cleaned
- Furniture is evaluated piece by piece
- Electronics need special drying and cleaning
Drying and Cleaning
After removing what can't be saved, the pros dry the area thoroughly. They use air movers and dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of walls and floors. This step is critical because sewage leaves behind moisture that can lead to mold.
Cleaning involves washing every surface with a disinfectant that kills pathogens. The pros scrub walls, floors, and any salvageable items. They also treat the area to prevent odors from lingering. This is not a job for household cleaners alone.
Disinfecting and Deodorizing
Disinfection is the final step in making a space safe again. The pros apply antimicrobial solutions that are approved for sewage cleanup. They also use deodorizers to neutralize the smell, not just cover it up.
The whole process can take days, depending on how much sewage and how far it spread. You might need to stay elsewhere until the pros finish. If the sewage came from a backup, you should also check your plumbing to prevent future issues.
- Antimicrobial sprays kill remaining bacteria
- Deodorizers break down odor molecules
- Air scrubbers filter the air
- Surfaces are tested for moisture levels
- Restoration work may follow after drying
Working with Your Insurance
Sewage damage is often covered by homeowners insurance, but not always. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. You should check your policy and call your insurance company to report the damage.
The pros can document the damage for your claim, but they don't handle the paperwork. They can give you a written description of what was removed and cleaned. That report can help you when you talk to your insurer. Keep records of everything you throw away.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Euless and nearby communities.
Call Now (817) 799-6732Frequently asked questions
Can I clean up sewage myself?
Cleaning sewage is risky because of the bacteria and viruses. You might not have the right equipment to do it safely. The pros have protective gear and industrial disinfectants. It's safer to let them handle it, especially if the area is large.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
Cleanup time depends on how much sewage and how far it spread. A small backup might take a day or two. A larger flood could take several days. The pros need time to dry and disinfect the area thoroughly before you can return.
What should I throw away after sewage damage?
Throw away anything porous that touched sewage, like carpet, drywall, and upholstered furniture. Paper, cardboard, and mattresses also go. Non-porous items like metal and glass can be cleaned. When in doubt, ask a professional before keeping something.