The short answer
Initial Safety and Assessment
The first step is a thorough safety assessment. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The pros will inspect the area to determine the contamination level and the affected materials. This assessment informs their safety protocols and the specific cleaning methods required for your situation.
Homeowners should avoid the contaminated area entirely. You should turn off electricity to the affected rooms if it is safe to do so from your breaker panel. Ventilate other parts of the home by opening windows. Wear protective gear like gloves and an N95 mask if you must briefly enter to document damage for insurance.
Water Extraction and Debris Removal
Powerful pumps and extractors remove all standing sewage water. This process is critical to stop further contamination and absorption into building materials. The pros will also remove solid waste and debris as part of this initial cleanup phase, placing it in approved containers for proper disposal.
Porous materials that have absorbed contaminated water are often removed and discarded. This typically includes saturated drywall, insulation, and carpet padding. Non-porous items like hardwood studs may be cleaned and sanitized if structurally sound. The decision depends on the material type and the extent of contamination.
- Remove all standing sewage water with truck-mounted or portable extractors.
- Discard heavily contaminated porous materials like carpet padding and wet insulation.
- Cut away and remove drywall that has wicked sewage water above the flood line.
- Dispose of solid waste and debris in accordance with local health regulations.
- Salvage and clean non-porous structural elements like studs and concrete.
- Protect unaffected areas with barriers to prevent cross-contamination.
Deep Cleaning and Disinfection
Every affected surface undergoes a meticulous cleaning and disinfection process. The pros use heavy-duty cleaners to break down soils and greases left behind by the sewage. Following cleaning, they apply EPA-registered antimicrobial agents specifically designed for Category 3 water damage to kill pathogens.
This disinfection step is not a simple wipe-down. It often involves pressure washing, scrubbing, and fogging to ensure the agents reach all crevices. All salvageable contents, from furniture to personal items, are cleaned with appropriate methods. This comprehensive approach aims to return the area to a sanitary condition.
Professional Drying and Dehumidification
After cleaning, the area is still damp. The pros use industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the structure completely. They monitor moisture levels in walls, floors, and subfloors with specialized meters. Drying continues until all materials reach a safe, dry standard to prevent mold.
This drying phase can take several days. The equipment runs continuously, and the pros adjust its placement for maximum efficiency. They may create drying chambers or use injectidry systems to dry inside wall cavities. Proper drying is the final defense against future microbial growth and structural damage.
Final Steps and Restoration
Once the area is dry and sanitized, the pros perform a final verification. They check for any lingering odors, which may require additional treatment like thermal fogging. A post-cleaning inspection ensures all safety standards are met before any reconstruction work can be planned.
The final step is restoration, which involves repairing or replacing the removed building materials. This could mean installing new drywall, subfloor, and flooring. Remember, policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. These repairs make your space whole again and are separate from the initial emergency cleanup.
- Conduct a final moisture verification to confirm all materials are dry.
- Perform odor removal treatments if any sewage smell persists.
- Complete a post-remediation inspection to ensure the area is safe.
- Provide documentation of the cleaning process for insurance purposes.
- Coordinate or perform reconstruction work like drywall and flooring installation.
- Advise on any follow-up actions you should take as a homeowner.
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Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (405) 565-9833Frequently asked questions
Can I clean sewage damage myself?
Sewage cleanup is a serious health risk. It requires specialized safety gear, disinfectants, and equipment to do properly. Attempting it yourself can expose you to dangerous pathogens and often leads to incomplete drying and hidden mold. For your safety, it is best to call local water damage pros.
What items are usually thrown away after sewage damage?
Porous materials that absorb contamination are typically discarded. This includes carpet padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, drywall, and insulation. Non-porous items like plastic, glass, or sealed hardwoods can often be professionally cleaned and disinfected. The pros assess each item during the initial inspection.
How long does the entire sewage cleanup process take?
The timeline depends on the extent of the damage. The emergency water extraction and cleaning might take one to two days. The subsequent drying process often requires three to five more days with equipment running. Final repairs and restoration add additional time based on the reconstruction scope.