Sewage backup can be a messy and hazardous situation. Raw sewage contains bacteria and other contaminants that can pose a serious health risk. It is important to have sewage cleanup handled by a professional service as soon as possible. ## Sewage Cleanup and Disinfection Sewage cleanup involves removing the sewage from the affected area, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and restoring the property to its pre-loss condition. **Cleanup:** * Sewage is removed from the affected area using pumps and vacuums. * All surfaces that have come into contact with sewage are cleaned and disinfected. * Contaminated materials, such as carpeting and drywall, may need to be removed and replaced. **Disinfection:** * After the area has been cleaned, it is disinfected to kill bacteria and other contaminants. * Chlorine bleach is a common disinfectant used for sewage cleanup. * Other disinfectants, such as hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium compounds, may also be used. **Restoration:** * Once the area has been cleaned and disinfected, it is restored to its pre-loss condition. * This may involve repairing or replacing damaged materials, repainting, and deodorizing the area. ## What Kills Sewage Bacteria? There are a number of chemicals that can kill sewage bacteria. These include: * **Chlorine bleach:** Chlorine bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. * **Hydrogen peroxide:** Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent that can kill bacteria by damaging their cell walls. * **Quaternary ammonium compounds:** Quaternary ammonium compounds are a group of chemicals that are used as disinfectants and sanitizers. They kill bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes. The type of disinfectant used for sewage cleanup will depend on the specific situation. Chlorine bleach is the most common disinfectant used because it is effective against a wide range of bacteria and is relatively inexpensive.