A Guide to Safe and Efficient Sewage Cleanup

What is Sewage Cleanup?

Sewage cleanup is the process of removing and sanitizing areas contaminated by wastewater, including raw sewage from toilets, drains, or broken sewer lines. It involves safely extracting the sewage, disinfecting all affected surfaces, and properly disposing of hazardous materials. Cleaning sewages regularly is essential to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and other pathogens that pose serious health risks.

Importance

Sewage cleanup is important because exposure to raw sewage can lead to severe health issues, including infections and diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It helps protect indoor air quality and prevents structural damage to buildings caused by prolonged moisture and contamination. Proper cleanup also supports the broader sanitation system by reducing strain on the local sewage treatment plant.

On top of that, recent findings show that wastewater treatment plants and sludge spreading are major contributors to PFAS (or “forever chemicals”) pollution, with elevated levels detected downstream of nearly all tested sites, raising concerns about long‐term human and ecological health.

Sewage Cleanup Process

Sewage Cleanup Process

The process of cleaning up sewage can look slightly different depending on the type of sewage, available tools, and other factors. That said, below is a quick look at the typical sewage cleanup process with all the essential steps:

1. Assessment and Safety Precautions

The first step of cleaning sewages involves evaluating the extent of the sewage damage and identifying affected areas and materials. Safety precautions are taken immediately, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and boots to prevent exposure to pathogens. During this step, professionals may also isolate the contaminated area and shut off utilities like electricity to reduce further hazards.

2. Water and Waste Removal

The next step is extracting standing water and solid waste using pumps, wet vacuums, and other commercial-grade equipment. This step includes removing sewage, contaminated materials (like carpet or drywall), and any debris that cannot be salvaged. Quick removal is critical to prevent structural damage and limit microbial growth.

3. Cleaning and Disinfection

Surfaces and salvageable materials are scrubbed and disinfected using industrial-grade cleaners and antimicrobial solutions. Doing so helps eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites present in sewage. Special attention is given to porous materials, which may require deep cleaning or disposal depending on the severity of contamination.

4. Drying and Dehumidification

After cleaning, high-powered air movers and dehumidifiers are used to dry out the area thoroughly. This step prevents mold growth, which can begin within 24–48 hours in a moist environment. Moisture meters may be used to ensure the affected area is completely dry before proceeding.

5. Restoration and Final Inspection

Damaged structural elements and materials such as flooring, drywall, or insulation are replaced or restored to their original condition. A final inspection is conducted to verify that all contaminants have been removed and that the property meets health and safety standards. This step ensures the area is fully safe for reoccupation and helps prevent future issues related to sewage exposure.

Risks

While an essential task, sewage cleanup comes with its fair share of risks. It’s important for workers and employers to fully understand these risks and establish measures to protect workers cleaning up sewage. Here are some of the key risks people face during sewage cleanup:

Exposure to Harmful Pathogens

Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illnesses such as hepatitis A, E. coli infection, and gastrointestinal diseases. Direct contact with contaminated water or surfaces increases the risk of infection through skin, eyes, or accidental ingestion. Without proper protective equipment and hygiene practices, cleanup workers can become seriously ill.

Respiratory Issues from Contaminants and Mold

The cleanup environment may contain airborne contaminants, including mold spores, ammonia, and methane gases. Inhalation of these substances can irritate the lungs and lead to respiratory problems, especially in individuals with asthma or weakened immune systems. Mold can begin to grow quickly after sewage exposure, compounding the health risks.

Risk of Electric Shock or Structural Hazards

Flooded areas with standing sewage water may hide electrical hazards such as exposed wires or submerged outlets. If the power is not properly shut off, there is a serious risk of electric shock during cleanup. Additionally, water saturation can weaken floors, walls, and ceilings, increasing the chance of injury from structural collapse.

Enhancing the Process with Technology

Modern technology has significantly enhanced the safety and effectiveness of the sewage cleanup process by providing tools that improve planning, execution, and monitoring. With advanced moisture detection devices and thermal imaging cameras, crews can identify hidden contamination and water damage without tearing apart walls or flooring unnecessarily. These innovations not only streamline operations but also help ensure regulatory compliance and worker safety throughout the entire process.

Digital solutions such as SafetyCulture come with all these integrations and features, alongside other capabilities that can help improve the sewage cleanup process, such as the following:

• Digital Checklists – Ensures that proper personal protective equipment is worn and that critical safety and cleaning protocols are followed consistently.

• Asset Management Tools – Helps users track equipment usage such as monitoring cameras, cleaning materials, and safety equipment to ensure they’re in good conditions before, during, and after sewage cleanup.

• Air Quality Monitors – Gives insights on the presence of airborne pathogens and chemical levels during cleanup to protect workers and occupants, with monitor readings accessible on a cloud-based platform.

• Mobile Reporting Tools – Allows teams to log progress, capture photos, and report issues from the field in real time.

• Integrations with Internet-of-Things (IoT) – Enables more hands-on sewage cleaning processes with devices that can monitor mold in walls, moisture under floors, and dried areas.