Resource
Sewer Backup Safety
Why this category of water is handled differently from any other loss.
Treat the water as contaminated
Sewer water carries bacteria and organic material. It should not be walked through, cleaned with household products, or dried in place with a fan.
Keep people and pets out
Close the affected area, keep the HVAC system off if it draws from that space, and restrict access until the area has been cleaned and disinfected.
Porous materials generally do not survive
Carpet, underpad, drywall below the waterline, insulation and particleboard that contacted sewage are removed rather than salvaged. Hard, non-porous surfaces can usually be cleaned and disinfected.
Containment matters
Professional cleanup isolates the work zone so contamination is not tracked into unaffected areas, and uses controlled entry, protective equipment and proper disposal.
Afterwards
Once cleaning is complete, the structure still needs drying and verification. Odour that persists after removal is addressed as a separate deodorization step.
This guide is general information for Scarborough property owners and occupants. Conditions at your property should be assessed individually.