The first priority after a sewage backup is preventing exposure and additional spread. Do not rush into contaminated water to save belongings.
Isolate the affected area
Keep children, pets and unnecessary occupants away. Avoid walking through the water or moving contaminated items into clean rooms.
If standing water may contact electrical panels, outlets or appliances, stay out and contact emergency services or the utility as appropriate. Strong gas odors or structural danger also require immediate evacuation and emergency help.
Avoid spreading contamination
Do not use a household vacuum, mop contaminated water into drains or run fans through the area. Stop using the affected plumbing only if you can do so without entering the contaminated area.
Notify the super, landlord or building manager when appropriate. They may need to control the source, common areas or building access.
- Keep people and pets away
- Avoid electrical and structural hazards
- Do not use household vacuums or fans
- Document only from a safe location
Call with useful details
Share the property type, neighborhood, source if known and the rooms or materials affected. Photos from a safe location can help with documentation.
Ask how the provider handles containment, extraction, material removal, cleaning, drying and disposal. Source repair and reconstruction may be separate.
Published January 25, 2026. General information only; not a site-specific safety assessment.