Sewer Backup Cleanup and Disinfection
Sewer backups are handled as contaminated water events. Cleanup involves protective equipment, containment, removal of porous materials that cannot be cleaned reliably, and disinfection of remaining surfaces.
Common causes
- Blocked or collapsed lateral lines
- Tree-root intrusion into drains
- Municipal system surcharge during heavy rain
- Failed backwater valves
Warning signs
- Waste water rising from floor drains or toilets
- Strong sewage odour indoors
- Multiple slow-draining fixtures at once
- Gurgling drains during rainfall
Materials often affected
- Carpet, underpad and porous flooring
- Contacted drywall and insulation
- Contents stored at floor level
- Floor drain surrounds and grout lines
Related property concerns
- Health risk to occupants during cleanup
- Cross-contamination into unaffected rooms
- Odour retained in porous materials
How This Work Is Carried Out
- 01
Set containment and use protective equipment
- 02
Remove contaminated water and solids
- 03
Discard porous materials that cannot be cleaned
- 04
Clean and disinfect remaining surfaces
- 05
Dry the structure and control odour
Frequently Asked
Is sewer-backup water contaminated?
Yes. It is treated as grossly contaminated, which means protective equipment, containment and disposal of porous materials that have absorbed it.
Can affected carpet be cleaned?
Carpet and underpad exposed to sewage are normally removed rather than cleaned in place.
Related services
Request Water Damage Assistance in Oshawa
Call to discuss what you are seeing, or send a request and we will follow up to arrange a moisture assessment for your property.
Water Damage Oshawa
- 63 King St E
Oshawa, ON L1H 1B4 - (365) 906-3287
- info@waterdamageoshawa.ca