Sewage Backup: Health Risks and Why DIY Cleanup Is Dangerous
· 5 min read · Sewage
Sewage water is classified as Category 3 'black water.' Understand the health risks and why professional cleanup matters.
What Category 3 water means
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The IICRC classifies it as the most hazardous category of water damage.
Health risks
Exposure can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and respiratory irritation — especially for children, seniors, and anyone immunocompromised.
Why porous materials must go
Carpet, pad, drywall, and insulation that contact sewage generally cannot be safely cleaned and should be removed and disposed of properly.
What to do now
Keep people and pets away, avoid running fixtures, and call a certified biohazard cleanup team. No judgment — backups happen to everyone.