Can Carpet Be Cleaned After a Sewer Backup?

Sewage backups can be a major inconvenience and health hazard. They can cause extensive damage to your home and belongings, and they can also pose a serious health risk if not cleaned up and disinfected properly.

One of the most common questions people have after a sewage backup is whether or not their carpet can be cleaned. The answer, unfortunately, is not always straightforward.

Factors to Consider

There are a number of factors that will affect whether or not your carpet can be cleaned after a sewage backup:

• The type of sewage. Sanitary sewage, which is mostly human waste, is less likely to cause permanent damage to your carpet than industrial sewage, which may contain harmful chemicals.
• The amount of sewage. A small amount of sewage may be able to be cleaned up without causing significant damage, but a large amount of sewage may require replacement.
• The length of time the sewage was on the carpet. The longer the sewage was on the carpet, the more likely it is to cause permanent damage.
• The condition of the carpet. An old or worn-out carpet is more likely to be damaged by sewage than a new carpet.

Cleaning and Disinfection Process

If you decide to try to clean your carpet after a sewage backup, it is important to follow a thorough cleaning and disinfection process.

• Remove the sewage solids. Using a shovel or a wet/dry vacuum, remove as much of the sewage solids as possible.
• Flood the area with water. Use clean water to flood the affected area and loosen any remaining sewage.
• Apply a cleaning solution. Use a commercial carpet cleaning solution or a mixture of bleach and water to clean the affected area.
• Rinse the area thoroughly. Use clean water to rinse the area until all of the cleaning solution has been removed.
• Disinfect the area. Use a commercial carpet disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water to disinfect the affected area.
• Dry the area completely. Use fans or a dehumidifier to dry the area completely.

Professional Sewage Cleanup Service

If you are not comfortable cleaning up the sewage backup yourself, or if the damage is extensive, it is best to call a professional sewage cleanup service. Professional sewage cleanup services have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively clean up sewage backups and restore your home to its pre-flood condition.