Sewage backups can be a major inconvenience, but they can also pose serious health risks. Sewage contains bacteria that can cause illness, so it is important to have any sewage backup cleaned up and disinfected as soon as possible.

### Cleanup and Disinfection

The first step in cleaning up a sewage backup is to remove the standing water. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or a sump pump. Once the water has been removed, the area should be disinfected with a bleach solution. The bleach solution can be made by mixing one part bleach to nine parts water.

### What Kills Sewage Bacteria?

The chlorine in bleach kills sewage bacteria by destroying their cell walls and proteins. Bleach is a very effective disinfectant, and it is the recommended method for disinfecting areas that have been contaminated with sewage.

### Other Disinfectants

If bleach is not available, other disinfectants can be used to kill sewage bacteria. These include:

– Pine oil
– Lysol
– Quaternary ammonium compounds

These disinfectants can be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

### Preventing Sewage Backups

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent sewage backups, including:

– Keep drains clear of hair and soap scum.
– Do not flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet.
– Have your septic tank pumped regularly if you have one.
– Do not pour grease down the drain.
– Fix any leaks in your sewer lines.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent sewage backups and protect your health.