Can You Get Sick From Sewage Backup?

A sewage backup is a nightmare for any homeowner. Not only does it cause extensive damage to your home, but it can also lead to serious health complications if you’re not careful.

In this guide, we will discuss the serious health risks of sewage backup and outline some steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family. Stay safe!

Why Do Drains and Sewage Back Up?

Sewer backups can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:

Clogged drain pipes

If you have a clog in your pipe and there’s no way for it to go anywhere else, then the backup will occur. Most often, this is caused by roots growing into or breaking apart parts of the pipe itself, causing a blockage.

Grease buildup on walls of drain pipes

When grease builds upon the walls of your pipes, it creates an obstruction that prevents water from flowing through freely.

Tree Roots

Tree roots can cause major damage to sewer lines if left untreated for too long. They’re also very difficult to remove because they tend not to be located directly beneath the surface where most contractors work from.

Broken Sewer Lines

If your sewer systems line is broken, a backup will occur. This can be caused by everything from age and wear to shifting ground or even a natural disaster.

What are the Health Risks Associated with Sewage Backup?

Any time there is a sewage backup, there is a serious health risk. This is because raw sewage contains many harmful toxic substances like bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illness.

Here are some of the most common health risks associated with sewage backups:

Acanthamoeba

This is a microscopic amoeba that can cause an infection of the cornea and conjunctiva, leading to blindness if left untreated.

Acanthamoeba is found in soils, water (including tap), swimming pools, hot tubs, or anybody of freshwater where there might be algae present. They’re also present in sewage.

Symptoms of Acanthamoeba infection include redness, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and a feeling that something is in your eye. If you experience any of these symptoms after a sewage backup, see a doctor immediately.

Treatment for Acanthamoeba includes antibiotic drops or ointment and sometimes surgery if the infection is severe.

E-Coli

E-Coli is a type of bacteria that is often found in the intestines of humans. However, E-Coli can also be found outside the human body, and some forms of it are extremely harmful to humans.

You can get sick from E-Coli if it comes into contact with your skin, mouth, or eyes. Symptoms of an E-Coli infection include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a sewage backup, see a doctor immediately.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be acquired through contact with water or soil contaminated by animal urine. It’s also known as “Weil’s disease.”

The bacteria enter the body through cuts in the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, or open wounds. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. If these symptoms persist for more than 24 hours after exposure to contaminated water or soil from a sewage backup, see a doctor immediately.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. The virus spreads through contact with infected feces or by consuming contaminated food or water. It’s also known as “infectious hepatitis” because it can be passed from person to person.

Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. If these symptoms persist for more than 24 hours after exposure to contaminated water or soil from a sewage backup, see a doctor immediately.

Treatment includes rest and drinking plenty of fluids while avoiding alcohol consumption until your liver has healed completely.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness. The bacteria are typically found in the feces of animals, including humans, and spread through contaminated food or water, as well as contact with infected animals.

Salmonella can survive outside of the body for a long time — up to four hours in direct sunlight and several months at room temperature indoors. It’s also hardy, able to survive on surfaces that are dry or wet. When you have a sewage backup in your home, it’s possible for the bacteria to contaminate your belongings and cause you to become ill.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It can be caused by a variety of viruses, including those that are commonly found in wastewater systems. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and changes in mental status. In some cases, encephalitis can lead to death.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a sewage backup, see a doctor immediately.

Treatment includes rest and drinking plenty of fluids while avoiding alcohol consumption until your liver has healed completely.

Steps to Follow When Your Sewage Backs Up

Direct contact with floodwater poses a risk for infection, especially if you have open wounds or cuts on your skin. If you have a sewage backup in your home, follow these steps to stay safe:

Do not allow anyone who has been exposed to the floodwater by touching it or falling into it without first washing their hands and removing any contaminated clothing.
Disinfect all surfaces that may have come into contact with floodwater using a solution of one cup bleach per gallon water.
Throw away any food that may have come into contact with floodwater or been exposed to contaminated air.
Stay out of flooded areas until the sewage spill has stopped and all waters recede completely, as this will reduce your risk for infection from harmful bacteria and viruses that could be present in the water.
If you have any open wounds or cuts, keep them clean and covered with a sterile bandage to prevent infection.
See a doctor if you experience any symptoms of illness after exposure to sewage backup.

These steps will help minimize your exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses that can be found in sewage water.

How to Prevent Sewage Backup in Your Home?

To prevent sewage backup in your home, you can learn about the causes and take some steps to protect yourself and your family. Here are a few things that you can do:

Regular maintenance - Have your septic tank pumped and inspected on a regular basis.
Install a backflow valve - A backflow valve can help prevent sewage from flowing back into your home in the event of a power outage or other emergency.
Be mindful of what you flush - Avoid flushing items like wipes, diapers, or paper towels down the toilet.
Do not pour grease down your drain - Grease can clog pipes and cause backups. If you have a garbage disposal, use it sparingly to avoid overloading it with food waste.
Have the sewer line inspected regularly - Sewer lines should be cleaned every five years or so, depending on the type of pipe that is used.

Preventing sewage backups is an important part of keeping your home safe and healthy. By following these simple steps, you can help reduce the risk of a backup happening in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get sick from sewer backup?

Yes, it is possible to get sick from sewage backup. The bacteria and viruses that can be found in sewage water can cause a variety of illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and changes in mental status.

How long does it take to get sick from sewage backup?

It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days for symptoms to appear after exposure to sewage water. It’s important that you see a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms following exposure. If left untreated, these illnesses can become serious or even deadly.

How long does it take for sewage to decompose?

Sewage can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to decompose fully. This depends on the type of bacteria that is present in the water, as well as how much oxygen is available for them to use. The more oxygen available, the faster they will decompose.

Is breathing in sewage harmful?

Yes, breathing in sewage can be harmful. The bacteria and viruses that can be found in sewage water can cause a variety of illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. These symptoms and illnesses can get very serious. It’s important that you avoid exposure to sewage water if possible.

Can sewage backup cause mold?

Yes, it is possible for sewage to cause mold. Mold can grow on any wet surface that stays damp for more than 24 hours. This includes walls, floors, and carpets in your home, as well as furniture inside of the house. So if you have had a leak or flooding event recently, then there may be some mold growing somewhere in your house right now.

Sewage backups can be harmful and dangerous, potentially causing illness and other serious health problems. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of sewage backup. Follow the tips outlined in this article to help keep you safe and healthy during a sewage backup emergency.