Phone answered 24/7 · Columbus, OH and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (614) 412-4391
Scioto River Water ResponseWater Damage Help · Columbus, OH

How Do Professionals Clean up Raw Sewage in a Home?

Last updated October 31, 2026

Call Now (614) 412-4391

The short answer

Safety First

Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can make you sick. Before any cleanup, keep children and pets away from the affected area. Open windows for ventilation, but avoid touching anything contaminated. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask if you must enter the space briefly.

If you feel unwell after exposure, see a doctor. The pros have protective gear and training to handle hazardous materials safely. They also know how to contain the area to prevent cross-contamination to the rest of your home. Their first step is always to assess the extent of the contamination.

If you live in Columbus, keep your shutoff valve location written down. Knowing where to turn off water can help prevent further backup. But even with quick action, sewage can soak into porous materials quickly.

Removing Contaminated Materials

The pros remove anything that cannot be fully cleaned. This includes drywall, insulation, carpet, padding, and sometimes wood flooring. Porous items like mattresses, upholstered furniture, and cardboard boxes are usually discarded. These materials can harbor bacteria even after cleaning.

Items that can be saved, such as hard plastic, glass, and metal, are set aside for thorough cleaning. The pros also remove standing water and sludge using pumps and wet vacuums. This step is messy and requires proper disposal methods, which the pros follow to local regulations.

The goal is to strip the area down to materials that can be effectively sanitized. This reduces the risk of lingering odors and health hazards.

  • Discard porous items like drywall and carpet
  • Remove standing water and sludge
  • Set aside salvageable hard surfaces
  • Follow local disposal rules
  • Protect unaffected areas with barriers

Cleaning and Sanitizing

After removal, the pros clean every remaining surface. They use industrial-grade cleaners and disinfectants that kill pathogens. This includes walls, floors, baseboards, and any fixtures in the affected area. They scrub surfaces thoroughly, sometimes using hot water extraction equipment.

The pros pay special attention to cracks and crevices where sewage can hide. They may use antimicrobial treatments to help prevent mold and bacteria growth. The cleaning process is repeated as needed to ensure the area is properly sanitized.

They also clean any items that were salvaged, such as furniture or appliances, using methods suited to each material. Upholstery and contents cleaning may be done on-site or taken to a facility.

Drying and Dehumidifying

Once the area is clean, it must be dried thoroughly. Sewage cleanup can leave behind moisture that promotes mold and structural damage. The pros use air movers, dehumidifiers, and sometimes heaters to dry walls, floors, and subfloors. This process can take several days, depending on the extent of the damage.

Structural drying is critical, especially in humid climates like Columbus, Ohio. High humidity can slow drying and encourage mold growth. The pros monitor moisture levels to know when the area is dry enough for repairs. This step also helps reduce odors.

You may need to wait before rebuilding or replacing materials. The pros will advise when it is safe to proceed.

Odor Control and Final Checks

Even after cleaning, sewage odors can linger. The pros use odor-neutralizing agents that break down odor-causing compounds. They may also use ozone or hydroxyl generators to help eliminate smells. These treatments are applied to the air and surfaces.

The final step is a thorough inspection to ensure no contamination remains. The pros check for hidden moisture, visible stains, and lingering odors. They may use moisture meters and UV lights to detect issues. If you have concerns, ask about the cleaning methods used.

Once the area is clean and dry, you can begin repairs. Keep in mind that some materials may need to be replaced entirely.

  • Use odor neutralizers on surfaces and air
  • Inspect with moisture meters and UV lights
  • Check for hidden contamination
  • Advise on repair timing
  • Ensure proper ventilation during drying

Water damage does not wait

Phones are answered 24/7 for Columbus and nearby communities.

Call Now (614) 412-4391

Frequently asked questions

Is raw sewage cleanup covered by insurance?

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Sewage backup coverage is often a separate add-on to a standard policy. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company to ask about your specific situation. The pros can document the damage, but they do not handle claims.

Can I clean up raw sewage myself?

It is not recommended. Raw sewage contains pathogens that can cause serious illness. Without proper protective gear and disinfectants, you risk exposure. The pros have the equipment and training to handle hazardous waste safely. If you must do minor cleanup, wear heavy gloves, boots, and a mask, and discard all porous materials.

How long does sewage cleanup take?

The time depends on the extent of the contamination, the size of the area, and the materials affected. A small bathroom might take a few days, while a larger area could take a week or more. Drying and odor control can extend the timeline. The pros will give you an idea after assessing the situation.

Call Now (614) 412-4391