A sewage backup in a home is more than just a messy plumbing problem. It can also introduce serious health hazards.
Sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants that can spread illness if people come into contact with the contaminated water or surfaces.
Across Chicago and nearby suburbs like Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and Palatine, sewage backups most often occur during heavy storms, sewer line blockages, or plumbing failures inside a home.
Because of the contamination risks, sewage cleanup is classified as Category 3 water damage under the IICRC S500 restoration standard.
Understanding the health risks of sewage contamination can help homeowners take the right steps quickly after a backup occurs.
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24-hour emergency restoration services across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County. If your home experiences a sewage backup, call (773) 985-6394 immediately.
Quick Takeaways for Chicago Homeowners
Sewage backups involve Category 3 contaminated water
Sewage can contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites
Direct contact with contaminated water should be avoided
Porous materials often must be removed after contamination
Professional cleanup reduces health risks and prevents mold growth
What Makes Sewage Backup Dangerous?
Sewage water is considered highly contaminated because it contains waste materials and microorganisms.
Common contaminants found in sewage may include:
E. coli bacteria
Salmonella
Hepatitis viruses
Parasites
Mold spores
Chemical pollutants
When sewage enters a basement or living space, these contaminants can spread across floors, walls, furniture, and building materials.
Health Problems Caused by Sewage Exposure
Exposure to contaminated sewage water may lead to several health issues.
Possible symptoms include:
nausea or vomiting
diarrhea
skin irritation
respiratory irritation
eye infections
allergic reactions
People with weakened immune systems, children, and seniors may be more vulnerable to these health effects.
For this reason, restoration professionals treat sewage backups as biohazard cleanup situations.
How Sewage Contamination Spreads Inside a Home
Sewage water spreads quickly once it enters a basement or lower level of a home.
Contamination can travel through:
carpeting
drywall
insulation
wood flooring
furniture
stored belongings
Porous materials absorb contaminated water and can become unsafe to keep.
Hard surfaces like concrete or tile may sometimes be disinfected and restored.
Why Sewage Cleanup Requires Professional Procedures
Because sewage contains pathogens, cleanup must be handled carefully.
Professional restoration teams use specialized safety procedures, including:
Personal protective equipment
Technicians wear protective suits, gloves, and respirators.
Containment barriers
Plastic containment prevents contaminated air and particles from spreading.
HEPA air filtration
Air scrubbers remove airborne contaminants.
Disinfection and sanitation
Professional disinfectants eliminate bacteria and pathogens.
Structural drying
Drying equipment removes moisture and prevents mold growth.
These steps protect both the home and the occupants during the cleanup process.
Can Sewage Backups Lead to Mold Growth?
Yes. Sewage water introduces both contamination and moisture into building materials.
If the affected area is not dried quickly, mold can begin growing inside:
drywall
insulation
subfloors
wood framing
Mold growth may begin within 24–48 hours after the backup.
This is why fast cleanup is critical.
Restoration Services Available for Chicago Homes
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides comprehensive restoration services across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Water Damage Restoration
Rapid water removal and structural drying help prevent further damage.
https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/~/servicemaster-restoration-by-simons/residential/water-damage/
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
Fire damage can spread soot and smoke contamination throughout a home.
https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/~/servicemaster-restoration-by-simons/residential/fire-and-smoke-damage/
Mold Remediation
Professional mold remediation removes contamination and restores safe indoor conditions.
https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/~/servicemaster-restoration-by-simons/residential/mold/
Specialty Cleaning Services
Biohazard cleanup and specialty sanitation services are available for complex contamination events.
https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/~/servicemaster-restoration-by-simons/residential/specialty-services/
Why Chicago Homeowners Trust ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has helped homeowners recover from water damage, mold contamination, and sewage backups across Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County, and DuPage County for more than 40 years.
I personally hold the IICRC’s highest restoration certifications:
Master Fire Restorer
Master Water Restorer
Master Textile Restorer
IICRC Certification #: 137718
Our crews respond to restoration emergencies throughout Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and Palatine.
If Your Home Experiences a Sewage Backup
Sewage contamination should be addressed quickly to protect both the property and the people living inside it.
ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons provides 24-hour emergency restoration services throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Call (773) 985-6394 anytime for immediate assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewage Backup Risks
Is a sewage backup in a basement dangerous?
Yes. A sewage backup is considered hazardous contamination because the water often contains bacteria, viruses, parasites, and waste materials from the sewer system. This type of contamination is classified as Category 3 water damage under the IICRC S500 restoration standard, the highest contamination level. Contact with sewage water can expose people to illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. For this reason, homeowners should avoid direct contact with contaminated water and call a professional restoration company to safely clean and disinfect the affected area.
What diseases can you get from sewage exposure?
Sewage water may contain harmful microorganisms that can cause various illnesses. Common health risks include E. coli infections, Salmonella, Hepatitis A, parasites, and other bacterial infections. Exposure can occur through skin contact, inhalation of contaminated air particles, or accidental ingestion of contaminated water. Symptoms may include stomach illness, fever, skin irritation, eye infections, or respiratory problems. Children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable, which is why contaminated areas should be avoided until professional cleanup is completed.
Can you stay in a house after a sewage backup?
In many cases, homeowners can remain in the house if the sewage contamination is limited to the basement and the affected area is isolated. However, strong odors, airborne contaminants, and bacteria may still spread through the home. Restoration professionals often install containment barriers and air filtration equipment to prevent cross-contamination. If the contamination spreads into living areas or HVAC systems, temporary relocation may sometimes be recommended until cleanup and sanitation are complete.
What should you do immediately after a sewage backup?
The first step is to avoid contact with contaminated water and keep children and pets away from the affected area. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to flooded areas and, if possible, stop the backup source. Ventilate the area by opening windows, but do not attempt to clean contaminated materials yourself. Sewage water requires professional sanitation and drying procedures. Contact a restoration company quickly so contaminated materials can be removed and disinfected before mold growth begins.
Do you have to remove drywall and carpet after sewage contamination?
In many situations, yes. Porous materials like carpet, drywall, insulation, and upholstered furniture often absorb contaminated sewage water. Because bacteria and pathogens penetrate deep into these materials, they cannot always be fully disinfected. Restoration professionals typically remove these materials to eliminate health hazards and prevent odors or mold growth. Hard surfaces such as concrete, tile, or structural framing can sometimes be cleaned and disinfected instead of removed.
How long does sewage cleanup usually take?
The cleanup process depends on the extent of contamination and the number of building materials affected. A small localized sewage backup may take one to two days to remove contaminated materials and disinfect the area. Larger basement backups may require several days to complete cleanup, sanitation, and drying. Industrial drying equipment is used to remove moisture from structural materials and prevent mold growth after the contaminated water is removed.
Will mold grow after a sewage backup?
Yes. Sewage backups introduce moisture and organic contaminants, creating ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold can begin growing inside drywall, wood framing, and insulation within 24–48 hours if the area is not properly dried. Professional restoration companies use air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture monitoring equipment to dry building materials and prevent mold from developing after sewage cleanup.
Does homeowners' insurance cover sewage backups?
Standard homeowners' insurance policies often do not automatically cover sewer backups, but many policies include optional sewer backup endorsements that provide coverage. Coverage may apply to cleanup, removal of contaminated materials, and restoration of damaged areas. Because policies vary widely, homeowners should review their insurance coverage or speak with their insurance agent to understand what protection they have for sewer backup events.
