Can Sewage Backup Make You Sick?

Can Sewage Backup Make You Sick?

Can sewage backup make you sick? Yes. Sewage may contain germs that can cause illness. It can also leave harmful waste on floors, walls, and other items.

A sewer backup is not the same as a clean water leak. The water may contain human waste, dirt, and other harmful matter.

For this reason, keep people and pets away from the affected area. Also, do not try to clean a large sewage spill with normal household tools.

GTA Restoration provides sewage backup cleanup in Toronto and the GTA. This guide explains the health risks and what to do first.

Sewage Backup Health Risks and Symptoms

Stomach Illness After Sewage Exposure

Sewage may carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Some of these germs can cause stomach illness.

Symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Fever

However, these symptoms can have many causes. They do not prove that sewage caused an illness.

If you become sick after exposure, tell a health care professional what happened.

Skin and Eye Problems

Dirty water may irritate your skin or eyes. Also, germs may enter cuts or open wounds.

If sewage touches your skin, wash it well with soap and clean water.

If it reaches your eyes, rinse them with clean water. Seek medical advice if pain or irritation remains.

Get prompt medical care for an exposed wound that shows signs of infection.

Breathing Problems and Strong Odours

Some people may cough or feel irritation in areas with sewage contamination. Strong odours can also cause discomfort.

However, not every smell means a dangerous gas is present. You cannot judge air safety by smell alone.

Leave the area if you feel unwell. If someone has trouble breathing, seek urgent medical help.

Who Faces More Health Risks?

Some people may face greater risks from sewage exposure. These include young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems.

People with asthma or other breathing problems may also need extra care.

For this reason, keep these groups away from sewage and the cleanup work.

Can Sewage Backup Make You Sick From Brief Contact?

Yes, even brief contact may carry a risk. For example, germs may enter your mouth if you touch sewage and then eat without washing your hands.

However, contact does not mean you will become ill. The risk depends on the exposure and the germs present.

Wash well after contact. Also, contact a health care professional if you have symptoms or concerns.

What to Do First After a Sewage Backup

1. Keep People and Pets Away

Do not walk through sewage water. Also, keep children and pets out of the affected rooms.

Close off the area when safe. This may help stop people from tracking waste into clean spaces.

2. Avoid Wet Electrical Areas

Water near outlets, wires, or an electrical panel can be dangerous.

Stay away from the wet area. If you can safely turn off power from a dry location, do so.

However, never step into sewage water to reach a switch or panel.

3. Stop Using the Drains

A sewer backup may get worse when more water enters the drain system.

So, stop using toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines until the cause is checked.

A plumber may need to clear a blockage or repair a damaged line.

4. Do Not Spread Sewage Through the Building

Avoid running normal household fans through the dirty area. They may spread droplets or contaminated dust.

Also, do not move wet rugs or furniture through clean rooms without a safe plan.

Ask a trained cleanup team how to control the affected space.

5. Take Photos When Safe

Take photos from a safe location. Also, note when the backup started and which rooms were affected.

Save plumbing bills and cleanup records. These may help with your insurance claim.

However, do not delay urgent safety work just to take photos.

6. Call for Sewage Cleanup

A serious sewer backup may need trained workers and special cleaning methods.

GTA Restoration provides sewer backup cleanup services across Toronto and the GTA.

Our team can assess the damage and plan water removal, cleaning, and drying.

Why Professional Sewage Cleanup Matters

Sewage Can Soak Into Building Materials

Sewage can spread under floors and into drywall. It may also soak carpets, insulation, and furniture.

As a result, the damage may be larger than the wet area you can see.

Some hard surfaces can be cleaned. However, badly contaminated materials may need removal.

Remove Waste and Clean Affected Areas

Professional cleanup starts with checking the site and controlling hazards.

Next, workers remove sewage and affected waste. They then clean surfaces and use suitable disinfectants where needed.

However, cleaning methods depend on the materials and type of contamination.

Our sanitizing and disinfection services can support appropriate cleanup work.

Dry Materials After Cleaning

Wet walls and floors may stay damp after the sewage is removed.

For this reason, workers check for hidden moisture. They may use drying equipment after the area has been made safe for that work.

However, drying alone does not remove sewage contamination. Proper cleaning must also take place.

Can Sewage Cleanup Stop Mold Growth?

Wet materials can support mold growth. So, safe cleanup and drying should begin as soon as possible.

However, mold may already be present if an area has stayed damp for a long time.

Health Canada explains the risks of flood cleanup and poor indoor air quality.

Can You Clean a Sewage Backup Yourself?

A very small incident on a hard surface may be easier to manage. However, sewage can carry germs even when little water is visible.

Larger backups and damage involving drywall, carpet, or several rooms need more care.

Do not use a household vacuum to remove sewage. Also, never mix bleach with other cleaners.

When in doubt, ask a trained team for help.

How to Prevent Sewage Backup Health Problems

Find Out Why the Sewer Backed Up

A blocked drain may cause a sewer backup. Heavy rain or a damaged sewer line may also be involved.

For this reason, find the cause before using the plumbing again.

Our sewage backup prevention resources explain more about common causes.

Ask About a Backwater Valve

A backwater valve may help stop sewage from flowing back into a building.

However, it must suit the plumbing system. Ask a licensed plumber whether one is right for your property.

Also, follow the maker’s care and testing advice.

Watch for Drain Warning Signs

Slow drains and repeat backups may point to a sewer problem.

Also, listen for unusual drain sounds and watch for water rising in basement fixtures.

If the issue keeps returning, arrange a plumbing check.

Keep Records for Insurance

Take photos when safe. Then, save cleanup bills and reports.

Some insurance policies may cover certain sewer backup losses. However, coverage often depends on the policy and any added protection you purchased.

Ask your insurer what it needs before major repairs begin.

Sewage Backup Cleanup in Toronto

GTA Restoration helps homeowners, condos, and businesses with sewage damage in Toronto and the GTA.

Our team provides water removal, contaminated material cleanup, disinfection, and drying services.

If you are asking, can sewage backup make you sick, remember that exposure can pose real health risks. So, keep people away and arrange safe cleanup.

Early action can help limit contamination and further property damage.

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Need Emergency Sewage Backup Cleanup?

GTA Restoration provides sewage removal, contaminated water cleanup, disinfection, and drying services across Toronto and the GTA.

Do not walk through sewage or attempt unsafe cleanup. Contact our emergency team for help.

Call Us: 416-800-0000

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Sewer Backup Cleanup | Flooded Basement Services | Cleaning and Disinfection