Sewer Backup or Flood Clean-Up

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Sewer Backup to report water or sewage coming out a toilet, sink drain, or bathtub drain as a result of heavy rainfall or flooding

New York City provides information about how to clean a home after a flood or sewage overflow.

It is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect inside your home after a flood or sewage overflow. Flood water may contain sewage water and germs. Direct exposure may infect your eyes, skin, stomach or intestines.

These basic clean-up guidelines and health precautions are recommended:

Do not eat or drink anything exposed to flood or sewer water.
Wear rubber boots, gloves and protective goggles during cleanup.
Discard any clothing or household items that can't be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and dried.
Keep children, pets and people with compromised immune systems out of contaminated areas until cleanup is complete.
Seek professional cleaning help for homes with extensive flood damage.

Online

Learn more about flooding and sewer backup clean-up.

Learn more about sewer backups.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

Keep children and pets out until cleanup has been completed.
Discard any food items, including packaged food, that were in contact with sewage water.
Do not run electrical equipment or appliances near standing water.
Avoid direct contact with flood water, sewage or contaminated items.
Wear waterproof gloves, rubber boots and googles during cleanup.
Wash your hands, body, boots and clothing with soap and hot water after cleanup.
Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Discard contaminated items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and dried (this might include mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings and most paper products).
Discard any food items, including packaged food, that were in contact with sewage water.
Rugs or carpeting with small spills or minor damage may be cleaned in place using detergents and disinfectants.
Disinfect non-carpeted floors by wiping surface with a bleach solution. Use one cup of household bleach in a two-gallon bucket of hot water. Non-bleach sanitizers can also be used.
Allow surfaces to dry thoroughly to avoid mold growth. Use dehumidifiers, fans and air conditioners to aid drying and reduce odors.
Extensive flooding damage should be cleaned by a professional.

Clean or dry-clean all contaminated clothing, bedding, towels and drapes.
Launder contaminated clothes and linens in hot water, detergent and bleach.
Wash contaminated laundry separately from non-contaminated items.
Dry thoroughly.
Leather shoes, boots or gloves may be difficult to disinfect. If they are heavily contaminated, discard them.
Waterproof boots and gloves can be disinfected with bleach solution, rinsed and allowed to dry after use.

Discard items that cannot be cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours
Discard contaminated rug and carpet padding
Dry all cleaned areas and items quickly and thoroughly
Use a dehumidifier, fans and air conditioners to air out rooms and reduce odors
Extensive flooding damage may require cleanup and restoration by professionals

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Knowledge Article

IP Address

Sewer Backup or Flood Clean-Up

Safety Information

Cleaning Inside the Home

Cleaning Clothing and Linens

Preventing Mold Growth

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