The short answer
Common Illnesses from Sewage
Sewage contains a mix of human waste, water, and whatever was flushed down drains. That mix can carry bacteria like E. Coli and Salmonella, viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A, and parasites like Giardia. Each of these can cause different symptoms, from stomach cramps and diarrhea to more serious liver or kidney problems.
Leptospirosis is another risk, especially if you have open cuts or sores. This bacterial infection spreads through water contaminated with animal urine, which can be part of sewage. Tetanus is also a concern if contaminated debris cuts your skin. These illnesses are not common from every backup, but the risk is real enough to take seriously.
- Gastroenteritis from norovirus or E. Coli
- Hepatitis A, a liver infection from a virus
- Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection from animal urine
- Tetanus from contaminated wounds
- Giardiasis, a parasite that causes diarrhea
- Skin infections from direct contact with sewage
How Germs Spread
Germs spread when you touch contaminated surfaces and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Sewage can splash onto floors, walls, and personal items, leaving invisible germs behind. Even dried sewage can become airborne as dust, which you might breathe in. Children and pets are especially at risk because they are more likely to touch things and put hands in their mouths.
Floodwater that mixes with sewage can carry germs far beyond the original spill. That means areas that look clean might still be unsafe. You should treat anything that touched sewage as contaminated until it is properly cleaned or removed. This includes clothing, shoes, toys, and furniture.
Protect Yourself During Cleanup
If you need to enter an area with sewage backup, wear rubber boots, gloves, and eye protection. A mask can help reduce breathing in dust or droplets. Avoid touching your face, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact. If you have cuts or scrapes, cover them with waterproof bandages before entering.
Keep children and pets away from the affected area until cleanup is complete. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the contaminated space. If you feel unwell after exposure, see a doctor. Symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can appear within days, so pay attention to how you feel.
Cleanup Steps for Homeowners
Start by removing standing water and solid waste carefully. Use a wet vacuum or pump if available, but avoid mixing sewage with clean water. Throw away porous items like carpet, drywall, and upholstered furniture that cannot be thoroughly cleaned. Hard surfaces like tile and concrete can be washed with hot water and a disinfectant.
Ventilate the area by opening windows and using fans to dry things out. Humidity in a humid climate can slow drying, so keep air moving. Do not turn on heating or cooling systems until the area is dry to avoid spreading germs. If the job feels too big or unsafe, consider calling local water damage pros for help.
- Remove standing water with a pump or wet vacuum
- Discard porous items that cannot be disinfected
- Clean hard surfaces with hot water and disinfectant
- Dry the area completely with fans and open windows
- Wash your hands and change clothes after cleanup
When to Call the Pros
Some sewage backups are too large or dangerous to handle alone. If the spill covers a large area, involves flooding, or has soaked into walls and floors, professional help may be needed. Pros have the right equipment to remove water, dry structures, and disinfect properly. They also know how to handle hazardous materials safely.
If you have health conditions or are unsure about safety, do not take risks. Local water damage pros can assess the situation and do the cleanup work. They can also help with related issues like drywall repair or flooring removal after the sewage is gone. Acting quickly reduces the chance of illness and further damage.
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Call Now (281) 717-6340Frequently asked questions
Can smelling sewage backup make you sick?
Breathing in the odor alone is unlikely to cause disease, but the smell can indicate harmful gases. More importantly, dried sewage particles can become airborne and be inhaled. That can carry germs into your respiratory system. If you feel dizzy or nauseous from the smell, leave the area and get fresh air.
How long after sewage exposure do symptoms appear?
Symptoms can appear within 12 to 48 hours for some infections, like norovirus. Others, such as hepatitis A, may take two to six weeks. Watch for fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or jaundice. If you develop any of these after exposure, contact a doctor and mention the sewage backup.
Is it safe to clean sewage backup myself?
Small spills with minor contamination might be manageable if you take precautions. However, large spills, saturated drywall, or flooding are risky. The danger of infection and the difficulty of thorough drying make professional help a safer choice. Consider your health and the size of the job before deciding.
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