Before help arrives
- Shut off the water source if it's safe to reach
- Cut power to the affected area if water is near outlets or panels
- Move valuables and furniture out of standing water
- Photograph and video the damage before cleanup begins
- Avoid walking through water that may be contaminated
- Request help — don't wait to see if it dries on its own
Why sewage backup is different from other water damage
A sewage backup means contaminated water — water carrying bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens — has entered the home, typically through a floor drain, toilet, or sewer line backup. This is categorized differently than clean water damage and requires different handling, equipment, and disposal of affected materials.
Do not attempt to clean sewage water yourself. Beyond the contamination risk, materials that absorbed sewage water — carpet, drywall, insulation — typically can't be saved and need to be removed and disposed of properly, not just dried.
What to do before help arrives
- Keep people and pets out of the affected area entirely
- Don't touch or walk through the water
- Ventilate the area if you can do so without entering the contaminated zone
- Shut off the water source if the backup is from a specific fixture and it's safe to do so
- Photograph the damage from a safe distance for insurance purposes
- Request professional cleanup help right away
Common causes
Sewer line backups can result from tree root intrusion, aging municipal lines, blockages, or sudden heavy rain overwhelming the sewer system. A backup that comes up through a floor drain or basement fixture is usually a sign of a blockage downstream rather than something isolated to one fixture in the house.
What professional cleanup involves
Sewage cleanup typically involves extraction of the contaminated water, removal and disposal of porous materials that absorbed it, disinfection of affected surfaces, and structural drying once the area has been properly sanitized. This is a more involved process than clean-water extraction because of the contamination and disposal requirements.
Need help with sewage backup cleanup in Idaho Falls?
Request a callback or call now to get connected with a local provider.
Call (208) 502-6969