When a sewage backup occurs in your home, it is important to have it cleaned up and disinfected as soon as possible. Sewage contains bacteria and viruses that can cause illness if ingested or absorbed through the skin. **Cleanup** * **Gather necessary materials:** gloves, mask, mop, bucket, bleach, water, disinfectant cleaner * **Protect yourself:** Wear gloves and a mask to avoid contact with sewage. * **Remove standing sewage:** Use a mop to soak up as much sewage as possible. * **Dispose of sewage:** Pour sewage into a toilet or pour it into a garbage bag and dispose of it in a dumpster. * **Clean surfaces:** Use a disinfectant cleaner to clean all surfaces that came into contact with sewage. **Disinfection** * **Dilute bleach:** Mix one part bleach to ten parts water. * **Apply bleach solution:** Apply the bleach solution to all surfaces that came into contact with sewage. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. * **Rinse surfaces:** Rinse surfaces with clean water. * **Dry surfaces:** Open windows and doors to air out the area and dry surfaces. **How do I clean my house after a sewer backup?** If you have a sewer backup in your home, you can clean it up and disinfect it yourself by following these steps: 1. **Shut off the water supply to your home.** 2. **Call a plumber to clear the sewer line.** 3. **Clean up the sewage:** * Wear gloves and a mask. * Remove standing sewage using a mop or bucket. * Dispose of sewage in a toilet or garbage bag. 4. **Disinfect the area:** * Mix one part bleach to ten parts water. * Apply the bleach solution to all surfaces that came into contact with sewage. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. * Rinse surfaces with clean water. * Dry surfaces with a clean towel or rag.