The short answer
Immediate Safety Steps to Take
First, turn off the electricity at your breaker panel if you can safely reach it without stepping in water. Avoid all contact with the contaminated water, as it contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Evacuate the area and keep children and pets far away. If you can open windows from outside the affected room to start ventilating the space, do so carefully without entering.
Why Professional Cleanup Is Essential
Sewage water is classified as Category 3 or black water, which is grossly contaminated with biological hazards. It can contain pathogens such as E. Coli, hepatitis, and parasites that cause serious illness. Proper cleanup demands industrial-grade disinfectants and full personal protective equipment, which homeowners typically do not possess. The pros have the necessary training, protocols, and tools to sanitize the area completely and prevent subsequent issues like hidden mold growth and lingering odors. This is why hiring professionals is critical for your health and the safety of your home.
What the Restoration Process Involves
The pros begin by extracting all the contaminated water using specialized, powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum systems. They then remove and properly dispose of porous, absorbent materials that cannot be salvaged, such as sewage-soaked drywall, carpet, padding, and insulation. All remaining structural surfaces are meticulously cleaned with professional-grade antimicrobial agents. Finally, industrial air movers and dehumidifiers run for the required time to dry everything completely down to the correct moisture levels.
- Complete removal of contaminated water.
- Safe disposal of unsalvageable porous materials.
- Deep cleaning and application of antimicrobial solutions.
- Thorough structural drying with professional equipment.
- Final verification that all moisture is eliminated.
- Post-remediation inspection to ensure safety.
Handling Your Belongings and Furniture
Porous items that have been soaked in sewage, such as mattresses, upholstered furniture, rugs, and cardboard boxes, typically cannot be cleaned to a safe standard and must be discarded. Non-porous items like metal fixtures, glass, and hard plastics can often be professionally sanitized and saved. The pros can assess your belongings on-site to determine what might be salvageable and perform specialized contents cleaning for appropriate items. They follow strict guidelines to prevent cross-contamination during this sorting and cleaning process.
Dealing with Insurance and Costs
Contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage and initiate a claim process. It is crucial to document the initial damage with clear photos or videos before any cleanup or removal begins. Sewage cleanup costs often range from several thousand to over ten thousand dollars, depending heavily on the extent of contamination, the size of the affected area, and the required structural repairs. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Be prepared to provide your adjuster with the documentation and the pros' detailed assessment of the damage. You should also keep records of all communications with your insurance representative.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Oklahoma City and nearby communities.
Call Now (405) 565-9833Frequently asked questions
Can I clean a small sewage backup myself?
It is not safe. Even a small amount of sewage water contains dangerous pathogens. Proper cleanup requires specific disinfectants and safety gear to prevent illness. Always call qualified local water damage pros for any sewage incident, no matter how minor it may appear.
How long does sewage cleanup take?
The timeline depends on the spill's size and location. Extraction and removal might take a day, while drying and sanitation often require several more days. The pros must ensure all moisture and contaminants are gone before rebuilding.
Will my homeowners insurance cover this?
Coverage depends on your policy and the backup's cause. Sudden failures like a sewer line break may be covered, but neglect often is not. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy details.