Is a sewer backup a biohazard?

Author: Elody Weber  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Biohazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can pose a serious health risk. Sewer backups and flood water are two common biohazard scenarios that can affect homes and businesses.

Is it safe to stay in a house with a sewer backup?

Quickly handling sewage backups is important for everyone's safety. If left untreated, it can cause more health problems and damage to the house. It's not something you should ignore. Living in a house with sewage backup is very risky.

Is sewage backup an emergency?

Backed up sewer lines, line breaks, sewage odors, and overflowing manholes are considered an emergency. When a sewage backup is occurring, do not use your toilet, shower, washing machine, or other appliances that send water down a drain.

Can a backed up sewer make you sick?

Any contact with a sewage backup is likely to make you sick. The infectious bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other contaminants can land you in the emergency room.

Is sewage a health hazard?

Workers who handle human waste or sewage may be at increased risk of becoming ill from waterborne diseases. To reduce this risk and protect against illness, such as diarrhea, workers and employees can protect themselves through basic hygiene, personal protective equipment, training, and vaccination.

Sudden sewage backup after 25 years in home

Is sewage a biological hazard?

Some biological hazards can be just as dangerous as synthetic chemicals. Mould and sewage are perfect examples. Make sure you and your employees can identify biological hazards such as mould and know what steps to take to prevent illness.

Is sewage smell an emergency?

Unpleasant sewage smells around your property can be an early warning sign of a sewer issue. While not always an emergency, persistent smells could indicate a sewer gas leak or a backup in the sewer system.

Is it safe to sleep in a house with sewer gas?

In extremely high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can cause loss of consciousness and death. Suffocation: High concentrations of methane in enclosed areas decrease the amount of oxygen in the air and can cause suffocation. Symptoms of a lack of oxygen include: Dizziness.

How bad is a sewer backup?

Sewage water is often riddled with harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Exposure to these can lead to severe illnesses such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and skin infections. Sewer backups can also contain toxic chemicals and gases, which can cause respiratory problems and other serious health issues.

Why is sewage backup considered an imminent health risk?

Why is a sewage backup a food safety issue? Sewage water contaminants may include not only foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, norovirus, hepatitis A, Shigella, etc. but also parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, chemicals and toxins.

What to do if the sewer backs up in the house?

Contact a Professional Plumber

A sewer backup is not a DIY situation. You need to call a professional plumber who specializes in sewer line repairs.

Can I sue the city for sewer backup?

Tree roots can grow into and obstruct the sewer lines; or extraordinary amounts of rainfall can infiltrate the system and overload it. The courts have made it clear that the city is liable for sewer back-up damages if, and only if, the city's negligence causes damages.

How do you disinfect after a sewer backup?

Wash contaminated surfaces and objects with warm, soapy water and disinfect with a bleach and water solution made of no more than 1 cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water. For objects that would be damaged by bleach, use a home or laundry disinfectant. Make sure to read and follow label instructions. Do not use ammonia.

Is it safe to stay in a house that smells like sewage?

Along with being unpleasant, a strange sewage smell could be hazardous for your health. One of the primary gasses in sewage is methane, and if it accumulates in large amounts, it can become highly flammable. If untreated, sewage gasses can leak methane into your home.

Is the landlord responsible for sewage backup?

For example, if the biohazardous material is the result of a crime that took place on the rental property, the renter may be held responsible for the crime scene cleanup. Another scenario involves sewage backups. It is the landlord's duty to maintain their drainage system.

Is it safe to stay in a house with sewage backup?

Sewage backup is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and professional intervention. Due to the health hazards associated with sewage contamination, it is not safe to stay in a house with sewage backup.

Is sewage water a biohazard?

Hazard Alert

Sewage and wastewater contain bacteria, funguses, parasites, and viruses that can cause intestinal, lung, and other infections. If equipment, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) don't protect you from swallowing these agents, you can get sick.

Is sewer backup smell harmful?

Yes, sewer gas is noxious, and in high concentrations, it can be toxic or lead to a loss of consciousness. For brief exposure to sewer gas, any resulting health symptoms will usually resolve themselves without medical intervention.

What are the symptoms of sewer gas poisoning?

Irritated eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, including tearing of eyes, cough, or shortness of breath. Effects may be delayed. Severe eye and respiratory irritation such as coughing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and more.

What to do if you get sewage in your mouth at home?

Rinse your mouth out and clean your teeth. Rinse with a good mouthwash and also make sure you drink 8 glasses or fluid - preferably water. If you begin to feel sick or not well in any way at all, or develop a fever get yourself to an ER and explain what happened.

How long is sewage toxic?

In an untreated situation, sewage contamination can persist for weeks or even months, posing a health risk to your family. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause a variety of illnesses, including: Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, vomiting)

How long does it take for sewer gas to make you sick?

Sickness from sewage can start in 24-48 hours, but it can take longer.

Why does my condo smell like sewer?

Blocked or clogged drains or vents can cause a sewer gas smell by prohibiting proper ventilation and drainage of the plumbing system. Accumulated debris, such as food particles, grease, hair, or other foreign objects, can block drains or vents, causing gases to infiltrate the property.

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