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What Diseases Can Come From Sewage Backup in Your Home?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Health Risks from Raw Sewage

Sewage backup brings untreated waste into your living space. That water can carry harmful germs that cause illness. The most common problems are stomach infections with diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. Some people develop skin rashes or eye infections after contact with contaminated water.

More serious diseases are possible too. Hepatitis A affects the liver and can cause fever and jaundice. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can lead to kidney damage. If you feel unwell after a sewage backup, see a doctor and describe the exposure.

  • E. Coli can cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhea
  • Salmonella leads to food poisoning symptoms
  • Norovirus spreads easily and causes vomiting
  • Hepatitis A affects the liver
  • Leptospirosis can cause fever and organ damage
  • Tetanus risk if you have open wounds

How Germs Spread in Your Home

Germs from sewage spread through direct contact with contaminated water or surfaces. You can also breathe in tiny droplets when water splashes or dries. Children and pets are at higher risk because they touch floors and put hands in their mouths.

Flooded carpets, drywall, and furniture can soak up sewage and keep germs alive for days. Even after the water recedes, bacteria can survive in porous materials. That is why thorough drying and removal of affected items matter for your health.

Protect Yourself Right After a Backup

Keep everyone, including pets, out of the affected area until cleanup begins. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask if you must enter. Wash any skin that touches sewage with soap and clean water right away. Do not eat or drink anything that may have been contaminated.

Open windows to improve airflow, but avoid fans that blow contaminated air into other rooms. If you have cuts or scrapes, cover them completely before entering. See a doctor if you develop any symptoms like fever, nausea, or diarrhea.

  • Wear gloves and boots during cleanup
  • Use a mask to avoid breathing in particles
  • Wash hands thoroughly after any contact
  • Disinfect hard surfaces with bleach solution
  • Remove and discard porous items like carpet
  • Keep children and pets away from the area

Cleanup Steps to Reduce Illness Risk

Act quickly to dry the area and remove contaminated materials. The longer sewage sits, the more chance germs have to multiply. Remove standing water with a wet vacuum designed for sewage, and dispose of it properly. Do not use a regular household vacuum for wet sewage.

Throw away anything that cannot be washed and disinfected, like drywall, insulation, and carpet. Hard surfaces like concrete and tile can be cleaned with a bleach solution. After cleaning, dry everything completely to prevent mold growth. If the job feels too big, local water damage pros can handle it safely.

When to Call Professional Help

Sewage cleanup is not a typical DIY job because of the health hazards. If the backup covers a large area, involves porous materials, or you have health concerns, consider hiring local water damage pros. They have the equipment and training to remove sewage and disinfect your home properly.

Professional cleanup usually involves extracting water, removing contaminated materials, and applying antimicrobial treatments. The cost depends on the size of the affected area and how much material needs to be removed. If you live in Newark, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act fast in an emergency.

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Frequently asked questions

Can sewage backup make you sick if you don't touch it?

Yes, you can get sick from breathing in airborne particles when sewage dries or splashes. Germs can also settle on surfaces and spread to your mouth or eyes. Keep the area sealed off and use a mask if you must enter.

How long do sewage germs survive on surfaces?

Many bacteria and viruses can survive for days on porous surfaces like carpet and drywall. On hard surfaces, they can last for hours to days depending on temperature and moisture. That is why prompt cleaning and disinfection are important.

Should I throw away furniture that touched sewage?

Porous items like upholstered furniture, mattresses, and pillows usually need to be discarded because germs and moisture get deep inside. Non-porous items like plastic or metal can be cleaned and disinfected. When in doubt, throw it out to protect your health.

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