The short answer
Safety First
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can make you sick. Before you touch anything, put on rubber gloves, waterproof boots, and a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Open windows and doors to get air moving through the space. If you feel unwell at any point, stop and see a doctor.
Keep children and pets out of the affected area until the cleanup is complete. Remove any items that are porous, like carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses, because they can absorb sewage and become impossible to fully disinfect. Place them in plastic bags for disposal. Your local waste service can tell you how to dispose of them properly.
- Wear rubber gloves and waterproof boots
- Use an N95 mask or better
- Open windows and doors for ventilation
- Remove porous items like carpets and mattresses
- Keep kids and pets away from the area
Remove Contaminated Materials
Anything that touched sewage and cannot be cleaned with a disinfectant should be thrown away. This includes drywall, insulation, wood trim, and particleboard flooring. These materials are porous and can hold sewage, allowing bacteria to grow for a long time. Cut out the damaged sections and dispose of them according to local rules.
For hard surfaces like concrete, tile, and metal, you can clean and disinfect them. But first, remove all the solid waste and as much liquid as possible. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up standing water, and then dispose of the collected waste properly. Do not mix sewage water with regular household wastewater.
Clean Every Surface
Start by cleaning all surfaces with a detergent and water solution to remove dirt and grime. This step is important because disinfectants do not work well on dirty surfaces. Use a stiff brush or sponge to scrub hard surfaces like walls, floors, and countertops. Rinse with clean water afterward.
Pay special attention to areas where sewage may have splashed, such as behind toilets, under sinks, and along baseboards. Also clean any tools or equipment that came into contact with sewage. After cleaning, you can move on to the disinfection step.
Disinfect with the Right Product
Choose a disinfectant that is registered as effective against bacteria and viruses. Common options include a bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or a commercial disinfectant. Apply the disinfectant to all surfaces that were cleaned, and let it sit for the time listed on the label, usually several minutes. Then rinse with clean water.
For porous surfaces that you cannot remove, like concrete, you may need to apply multiple coats of disinfectant. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next. After disinfection, allow the area to dry thoroughly. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying, because moisture can lead to mold growth.
- Use a bleach solution or commercial disinfectant
- Let the disinfectant sit for the label time
- Rinse surfaces with clean water
- Dry the area with fans and dehumidifiers
- Repeat disinfection on porous surfaces if needed
Dry Thoroughly After Disinfecting
Moisture is the enemy after a sewage cleanup. Even after disinfection, damp surfaces can grow mold and mildew. Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the area completely. Keep windows open if the weather allows. Check hidden spots like under cabinets and behind appliances, because they can stay damp for a long time.
If you live in Layton, you may want to keep a dehumidifier running for several days until the space feels dry. For large areas or if the sewage soaked into the structure, professional drying equipment may be needed. The goal is to get the moisture level back to normal to prevent further damage.
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Phones are answered 24/7 for Layton and nearby communities.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
Can I disinfect sewage myself or should I hire a pro?
Small, contained sewage spills can be handled yourself with proper safety gear and disinfectant. But if sewage has soaked into drywall, flooring, or spread through a large area, it's safer to have local water damage pros handle the cleanup. They have the equipment and experience to remove and disinfect thoroughly.
How long does sewage smell last after disinfection?
The smell can last for days or even weeks, depending on how much sewage was absorbed and how well you cleaned. After disinfection, keep the area well-ventilated and use odor absorbers like baking soda. If the smell persists, there may be sewage trapped in materials that need to be removed.
What should I do with items that cannot be disinfected?
Throw them away. Porous items like mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture cannot be safely cleaned after sewage exposure. Place them in heavy-duty trash bags and dispose of them according to your local waste guidelines. Check with your city about large item pickup or special disposal rules.