What Must Be Thrown Away After a Sewage Backup?

Sewage water contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that pose serious health risks. These contaminants seep deeply into porous materials, making thorough cleaning impossible. The primary goal is to remove anything that could harbor these microbes and cause ongoing illness. This process protects the long-term health and safety of everyone in your home. In hot, humid conditions, bacterial growth in wet materials accelerates, making prompt action critical.

Any food, beverages, or medicines that came into contact with sewage must be thrown away. This includes items in permeable packaging like cardboard, paper, or thin plastic. If sewage flooded your cabinets, discard all stored food and plastic utensils. Canned goods and items in glass jars may be saved if you thoroughly disinfect the exterior before opening.

Do not rely on smell or appearance to judge safety. Pathogens are invisible. When in doubt, throw it out to avoid severe gastrointestinal illness. Clean and disinfect all kitchen surfaces, including cabinet interiors and counters, after removing contaminated items. Use a bleach solution or other EPA-registered disinfectant for this task.

Before discarding items, take extensive photos and videos for your insurance claim. Create a detailed list of damaged belongings, including descriptions and approximate values. Keep samples of expensive items like carpet or flooring for the adjuster to inspect. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. This documentation is crucial for the claims process.

Organize your documentation by room and category. Note the brand, model, age, and original cost if known for larger items. Communicate with your insurance adjuster before performing any non-emergency demolition, as they may need to see the damage first. Having clear evidence supports a smoother and more accurate claim settlement.