Key points
- A small overflow of clean bowl water on tile is a different job from a sewer backup.
- Sewage is Category 3 water: it carries bacteria and other pathogens.
- Carpet, pad and drywall that sewage touched usually have to be removed, not cleaned.
- If it spread beyond a hard floor, came up a floor drain, or anyone in the home is vulnerable, call a professional.
Usually OK to handle yourself
- A toilet that overflowed with clean water from the tank or bowl before any waste — onto tile or vinyl, cleaned up right away.
- Wear gloves, clean and disinfect the hard surface, and wash your hands well. See toilet overflow: what to do.
Call a professional
- Sewage came up through a floor drain, tub or shower — a sign of a main line problem. See toilet backing up into the shower.
- It reached carpet, pad, drywall, insulation or furniture.
- It sat for hours, or it’s in a finished basement.
- Anyone in the home is very young, elderly, pregnant or has a weakened immune system. See sewage backup health risks.
Why sewage needs more than a mop
Sewage soaks into porous materials, and you can’t disinfect the inside of carpet pad or drywall. Professionals work under sealed containment with PPE, remove contaminated materials, disinfect what stays, and dry and measure the space. See Category 1, 2 and 3 water.
What to do first
- Stop using water in the house — every flush can make it worse.
- Keep children and pets away from the area.
- Turn off power to the area if the panel is dry and safe to reach.
- Photograph the damage, then call.
In Provo, see sewage cleanup in Provo. Free written estimate.
Common questions
Is bleach enough to clean up sewage?
Bleach can disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces after they are cleaned, but it does not reach into carpet pad, drywall or wood. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners — the combination releases toxic gas.
What protective gear do I need for a small cleanup?
At minimum waterproof gloves, rubber boots and eye protection, and wash well afterward. If the job is bigger than a small hard-floor spill, that is the point to call a professional.
Will insurance pay for professional sewage cleanup?
Only if your policy covers sewer backup, which usually takes an endorsement — see sewer backup coverage. General information, not insurance advice.
Sewage backup right now?
Call (385) 250-2825 — answered live 24/7 by the Vault crew.