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How to Clean Sewer Backup Safely

Knowing how to clean sewer backup safely can help protect people and the property. Sewage water may contain germs and other harmful waste.

A backup may come through a floor drain, toilet, sink or other fixture. Therefore, treat sewage water differently from a clean-water leak.

Most importantly, keep people and pets away from the area and watch for electrical hazards.

Call 416-800-0000

First Steps for Safe Sewer Backup Cleanup

Stop Using Water

First, stop flushing toilets and running sinks. Also, avoid using the washing machine and dishwasher.

More water can make the backup worse. The City of Toronto gives similar advice in its basement flooding guide.

Keep People & Pets Away

Sewage water may contain harmful germs. Therefore, keep children and pets away from the wet area.

In addition, avoid touching dirty water or wet materials without suitable protection.

Check for Electrical Hazards

Water near outlets, appliances or electrical panels can be dangerous. Therefore, do not enter the area if you are not sure it is safe.

If water is near electrical equipment, contact a qualified electrician or utility provider.

Wear Protective Equipment

Health Canada recommends protective gear during flood cleanup. This can include gloves, goggles and an N95 mask.

Rubber boots and protective clothing can also help reduce direct contact with dirty water.

How to Clean Sewer Backup Safely

Find the Cause Before Cleanup

Cleanup will not solve the problem if the drain stays blocked. Therefore, a plumber may need to check the sewer or drain line.

Common causes can include clogs, roots or damaged pipes.

For urgent plumbing problems, visit our emergency plumbing service.

Remove Sewage Water & Debris

Once the source is under control and the area is safe, remove standing water and debris.

Small losses may allow limited cleanup. However, larger sewer backups usually need professional extraction.

In addition, keep dirty tools and wet materials away from clean rooms.

Remove Badly Contaminated Materials

Some porous materials can absorb sewage deeply. As a result, they may not be practical to clean.

Depending on the damage, removal may include:

• Carpet and underpad
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Cardboard
• Particleboard
• Mattresses
• Upholstered furniture
• Paper products

Therefore, check each material before deciding what can stay.

Clean Before Disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting are two different steps. First, remove dirt, sludge and sewage residue.

After that, use a suitable disinfectant and follow its label directions.

Never mix bleach, ammonia or other cleaning chemicals.

Clean Hard Surfaces

Some hard surfaces may allow cleaning and disinfection. For example, this may include metal, glass or tile.

However, the final decision depends on the amount of sewage and how long the material stayed wet.

Dry the Property After Sewer Backup Cleanup

Dry Wet Materials

Cleaning alone is not enough. Wet materials can support mould growth when moisture remains.

Therefore, remove standing water and begin drying as soon as conditions are safe.

Air movers, dehumidifiers and moisture checks may help. For larger drying jobs, visit our specialty drying service.

Check Hidden Wet Areas

Sewage can move under flooring and behind walls. As a result, the visible wet area may not show the full problem.

Moisture checks can help find wet areas before repairs begin.

Watch for Mould

Wet drywall, wood and other materials can support mould growth. Therefore, deal with musty smells or new staining quickly.

If visible mould appears, visit our mould removal and remediation service.

When Professional Sewer Backup Cleanup Is Needed

Large Sewer Backups

Professional help is often the safer choice when sewage covers a large area. It may also help when several rooms are affected.

In addition, finished basements, commercial properties and multi-unit buildings may need a more controlled cleanup plan.

Hidden Sewage Damage

A surface can look clean while dirty water remains below it. Therefore, nearby floors and walls may need a closer check.

For larger water losses, visit our water damage restoration service.

How to Help Prevent Another Sewer Backup

Find the Original Cause

After cleanup, find out why the backup happened. For example, a blocked drain or damaged sewer line may need repair.

Consider a Sewer Camera Check

A plumber may use a sewer camera to look for repeat problems. As a result, hidden damage or roots may become easier to find.

Check Backwater Protection

In some homes, a properly installed backwater valve may help reduce sewer backup risk.

The City of Toronto also provides information about basement flood protection and eligible flood-prevention work.

Document Sewer Backup Damage

Take photos and video when the area is safe. In addition, keep plumbing bills, moisture readings, cleanup records and repair estimates together.

Contact your insurer for coverage questions. Your insurer decides coverage, deductibles, limits and claim payments.

Clean Sewer Backup Safely & Completely

The safest way to clean sewer backup safely is to control the source, protect people and remove dirty water.

Next, remove materials that cannot be cleaned. Then clean, disinfect and dry the area.

Above all, do not judge the job only by what you can see. Dirty water and moisture may remain under floors or behind walls.

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Need Help Cleaning a Sewer Backup Safely?

GTA Restoration provides sewage cleanup, water removal, emergency plumbing and drying throughout Toronto and the GTA.

Keep people away from dirty water and stop unnecessary water use until the cause is checked.

Call 416-800-0000

Learn More

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