A health hazard
Sewage carries bacteria and viruses. Avoid contact, keep children and pets away and wash thoroughly after any exposure.
Stop using water
Do not run sinks, showers or toilets, because more water makes the backup worse.
Protect yourself
If you must enter, wear waterproof boots, gloves and a respirator rated for particles, and avoid touching your face.
What gets thrown away
Carpet, pad, insulation and soft items that touched sewage are usually discarded.
Call a plumber and a restorer
A plumber clears and inspects the line. We clean, disinfect and dry the structure.
After cleanup
Ventilate, dry thoroughly and watch for odors that point to hidden moisture.
Our advice in one sentence
Stay out, stop water use and call for professional cleanup.
