The short answer
What Is in Sewage
Sewage is a mix of water and waste that can carry harmful germs. Common ones include E. Coli, salmonella, hepatitis A, and parasites like giardia. These can survive on surfaces for hours or days, depending on conditions.
When sewage backs up into your home, it can soak into carpets, drywall, and flooring. Even after the visible water is gone, germs can remain in porous materials. That is why thorough cleaning and drying are important for your safety.
- Bacteria like E. Coli and salmonella
- Viruses such as hepatitis A and norovirus
- Parasites including giardia and cryptosporidium
- Mold spores that can grow in damp areas
- Chemicals from household cleaners or waste
How You Can Get Exposed
You can get exposed by touching contaminated water or surfaces with your hands, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Breathing in fine droplets from splashing or spraying water is another route, especially if the backup is active.
Children and pets are at higher risk because they may put things in their mouths or play in affected areas. Even walking through a wet carpet and then touching your face can transfer germs. Keep everyone away from the affected area until it is cleaned.
- Touching contaminated surfaces
- Breathing in aerosolized droplets
- Eating or drinking something that touched sewage
- Getting sewage in a cut or open wound
- Not washing hands after contact
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of sewage-related illness can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, or skin irritation. They may appear within hours or take a few days. If you or someone in your home develops these symptoms after a backup, see a doctor.
Some people are more vulnerable, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. For them, even mild exposure can lead to more serious illness. Do not wait to seek medical advice if symptoms appear.
How to Protect Yourself
Before cleanup, put on rubber boots, gloves, and a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you must enter the area. Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the affected space. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact.
Open windows to increase airflow, but do not use fans that might blow contaminated air around. Avoid touching your face, and keep children and pets out. If you have any open cuts or sores, cover them with waterproof bandages before entering.
When to Call the Pros
Cleaning up sewage is not like a normal water spill. The pros have the equipment and training to remove contaminated materials safely and to disinfect the area. They can also dry out the structure to reduce mold risk.
If the backup covers a large area, has soaked into walls or flooring, or you are unsure how to handle it, call local water damage pros. They can assess the situation and perform the cleanup. In Rogers, keep a list of emergency contacts handy before a problem occurs.
Costs for professional cleanup depend on the extent of the damage, the materials affected, and the time needed. It often ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, but every situation is different. Your insurance company may help, but policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Need help right now?
Call (479) 370-1500 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (479) 370-1500Frequently asked questions
How long do sewage germs stay on surfaces?
Germs can survive for hours to days, depending on the surface and conditions. Porous materials like wood and drywall can harbor them longer. Cleaning and drying are essential to reduce risk. If in doubt, treat all affected items as contaminated.
Can I clean up sewage myself?
Small, contained spills might be manageable if you wear protective gear and clean thoroughly. But sewage can soak into hidden areas, and improper cleaning can leave germs behind. For anything more than a minor spot, call the pros to ensure proper sanitation.
What should I throw away after a sewage backup?
Anything porous that cannot be disinfected, such as carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, and upholstered furniture, usually needs to be removed. Food, drinks, and any item that came into contact with sewage should be thrown out. When in doubt, discard it.