Sewage clean-up after a drain backs up or a toilet overflows has to be done differently from a clean water leak. Sewage contains bacteria and viruses, so affected porous materials are removed, everything else is cleaned and disinfected, and only then is the area dried. Keep people and pets away and call 07777 659786.
Common causes of sewage leaks indoors
- A blocked drain or sewer forcing waste back up through a toilet, shower or floor gully.
- A leaking soil stack or waste pipe inside a wall or ceiling void.
- Flood water in heavy rain carrying drain water into ground floors and cellars.
- A failed toilet seal or cracked pan.
What to do straight away
- Stop using toilets, sinks and showers that drain into the blocked system.
- Keep children, pets and anyone vulnerable away from the area.
- Don’t try to mop up with household equipment; wear gloves if you must touch anything.
- Turn off electrics to the affected area only if you can do so safely from a dry place.
- Take photos and tell your insurer and, if you rent, your landlord.
Our sewage clean-up process
- Cause dealt with. The blockage or leak is cleared or repaired first. Blockages in shared sewers may be the water company’s responsibility.
- Waste removed. Liquid and solid waste is extracted and disposed of correctly.
- Strip-out. Contaminated carpets, underlay, plasterboard, insulation and other porous materials are removed.
- Cleaning and disinfection. All remaining surfaces are cleaned and treated.
- Drying. The structure is dried with dehumidifiers and air movers until readings show it’s dry.
Who is responsible for a blocked sewer?
Generally, the drain serving only your property is your responsibility, while shared sewers and lateral drains outside your boundary are the responsibility of the water company. If several homes are affected or the blockage is outside your boundary, contact the water company. If you rent, report it to your landlord.
Sewage leaks from above
A leaking soil pipe or toilet waste can soak a ceiling below with dirty water. That ceiling is normally removed rather than dried. See ceiling water damage.
What affects the cost?
The size of the affected area, the amount of material that must be removed, disposal, and drying time. See the cost guide.
Sewage clean-up across Liverpool
We deal with sewage backflow into ground floors and cellars, and leaking waste pipes in flats, across Merseyside — from Garston to Prescot. It’s one of the more specialist parts of our water damage clean-up service in Liverpool; for flooding from outside, see flood damage restoration.
When to call a professional
Always, for anything more than a minor toilet overflow onto a hard floor. Phone 07777 659786.