Sewage Backup in Your Basement? Health Risks and Cleanup Steps
By Faulkner Restoration · · 5 min read
Heavy rain, tree roots, and aging sewer lines cause basement backups across Central Indiana. Sewage water is classified as Category 3 'black water' — and it needs to be handled very differently from a clean-water leak.
Why Sewage Is a Health Hazard
Sewage can contain E. coli, salmonella, hepatitis A, and other pathogens. Contact or breathing contaminated air can cause illness, especially for children, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
What to Do Right Away
Take these steps immediately:
- Keep kids and pets out of the area
- Stop using sinks, toilets, and appliances that drain
- Turn off HVAC to avoid spreading contaminated air
- Avoid touching sewage without protective gear
- Photograph the damage for insurance
What Has to Be Thrown Away
Porous materials soaked by sewage — carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, and upholstered furniture — usually can't be safely cleaned and must be removed under containment.
Professional Sewage Cleanup
Certified crews extract contaminated water, remove affected materials, disinfect every surface, and dry the structure to prevent mold. Faulkner Restoration provides 24/7 sewage cleanup in Greenwood and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover sewage backup?
Often only if you have a sewer or water backup endorsement. Check your policy.
Is bleach enough to clean sewage?
No. Bleach doesn't penetrate porous materials, and professional antimicrobial treatment plus material removal is required.