Sewage Backup Cleanup in Far Rockaway, NY

Why sewage is handled differently

Sewage carries bacteria, viruses and parasites. Under the IICRC standard it is Category 3 from the first minute, so the goal is removal and disinfection, not simply drying.

• The work area is sealed off with plastic containment
• Crews wear gloves, boots, eye protection and respirators
• Porous materials the sewage touched, such as carpet, pad, drywall and insulation, are removed
• Hard surfaces are cleaned, then treated with an EPA-registered antimicrobial at its dwell time
• HEPA air scrubbers run during the work

Protecting the rest of the house

The mitigation team keeps a clean path from the cellar door to the street so contaminated debris does not cross living areas. Heating ducts and returns near the backup are closed off. Once removal and cleaning are done, the drying team dries the slab and framing and records readings like any other loss.

Stopping the next backup

A backwater valve on the house sewer line lets waste leave but closes when the street sewer pushes back. The CDC explains the health risks of sewage exposure, and OSHA lists protective gear for flood and sewage cleanup. If the backup came with outside floodwater, see storm surge cleanup.