Phone answered 24/7 · Sammamish, WA and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (425) 386-5713
Lake Sammamish Water Damage HelpSammamish, WA · Answered 24/7

How to Protect Your Family After a Sewage Backup

Last updated October 25, 2026

Call Now (425) 386-5713

The short answer

Keep Everyone Away

Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause illness. Keep children, elderly family members, and pets out of any room that has been affected. Close doors to contaminated areas and block off entryways with barriers or towels.

If you must enter the space to turn off a valve or retrieve an item, wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water afterward. Remove and launder any clothing that touched sewage separately from other laundry.

Stop the Spread of Contamination

Turn off your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to prevent sewage particles from moving through the house. Open windows to let fresh air in, but avoid creating strong drafts that could stir up dust. Do not use fans or vacuums, as they can blow contaminated droplets around.

Remove any items that can be easily cleaned, such as toys or plastic containers, but do not attempt to salvage porous materials like carpet, upholstered furniture, or drywall. These can absorb sewage and become a health hazard. Place them in sealed plastic bags for disposal.

  • Wear gloves, boots, and a mask if you go near the area
  • Do not let pets walk through contaminated floors
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, or mouth until you wash up
  • Keep food and drinks out of the affected zone
  • Use separate towels and wash them in hot water with disinfectant

Protect Your Skin and Breathing

Sewage can cause skin irritation, rashes, and infections. If you come into contact with it, wash the area with soap and clean water immediately. Do not use hot water, as it opens pores and can push contaminants deeper. See a doctor if a rash or sore develops.

Breathing in sewage fumes can irritate your lungs and trigger asthma or allergies. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have trouble breathing, leave the area and get fresh air. For persistent symptoms, seek medical attention without delay.

Contact the Right Help

Your insurance company should be notified as soon as possible. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Take photos of the damage and keep a list of items that were affected. Do not throw anything away before your insurer has a chance to review it.

Local water damage pros can handle the cleanup safely. They have the equipment and training to remove sewage, disinfect surfaces, and dry the structure. You can also ask about structural drying and dehumidification to prevent mold growth afterward. In Sammamish, keep your shutoff valve location written down for future emergencies.

Clean Up Safely

Do not attempt to clean a sewage backup with household cleaners alone. Bleach and disinfectants may not reach all pathogens, and the job often requires commercial-grade products and professional equipment. The pros will use proper containment and disposal methods to reduce health risks.

After the pros finish, the area should be dry and without visible residue. You may need to replace flooring, drywall, or insulation. If you have concerns about mold, ask about moisture mapping and inspection. Keep children and pets away until the space is fully dried and disinfected.

  • Do not mix bleach with other cleaners, as it creates toxic fumes
  • Open windows and use fans only after the pros confirm it is safe
  • Wash all exposed skin with soap and clean water after being nearby
  • Check for any signs of mold growth in the weeks after cleanup
  • Consider replacing porous items that cannot be fully disinfected

Need help right now?

Phones are answered 24/7 for Sammamish and nearby communities.

Call Now (425) 386-5713

Frequently asked questions

How long should I keep my family out of the affected area?

Stay out until the area is completely dry and disinfected, which usually takes a few days. The pros will tell you when it is safe. If you have young children or pets, keep them out for at least a week to be cautious.

Can I clean the sewage backup myself?

Small spills on hard surfaces might be cleaned with careful precautions, but a full backup is risky. Sewage contains harmful pathogens that home cleaners may not eliminate. Professional cleanup is safer for your health and your home.

What should I do with items that touched sewage?

Discard porous items like carpet, upholstered furniture, drywall, and mattresses. Non-porous items like glass or metal can be washed with disinfectant. Check with your insurance company before disposing of anything, as they may need to document it.

Call Now (425) 386-5713