The Hidden Hazards of Sewage Backups (and What to Do If It Happens in Your Harwinton Home)

Let’s face it — no one wants to think about a sewage backup. It’s one of those messy, smelly, and downright dangerous disasters that most homeowners hope they’ll never experience. But in reality, sewage backups are more common than you might think, especially in older homes or after heavy rainstorms.

If you live in Harwinton, CT or anywhere in Litchfield County, this blog is for you. We’re breaking down exactly what causes sewage backups, why they’re more than just a bad smell, and what to do if your home or business is ever affected.

What Is a Sewage Backup, Exactly?

A sewage backup happens when wastewater — the kind that’s supposed to flow away from your home — ends up coming back in. This can occur in a basement drain, toilet, shower, or sink, and the result is as bad as it sounds: water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other hazardous waste flooding into your home.

These backups are often caused by:

• Blocked or collapsed sewer lines
• Tree roots growing into pipes
• Overflowing toilets or bathtubs
• Septic tank failures
• Heavy rainfall is overwhelming the city's sewer system
  
  

And while the mess is obvious, the real danger goes much deeper.

Why Sewage Backups Are a Serious Health Risk

Sewage water — often called black water — is not just dirty water. It’s loaded with harmful contaminants, including:

• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Hepatitis A
• Leptospirosis
• Parasites and viruses
  
  

Coming into contact with this water — even by breathing the air in a contaminated space — can lead to serious illness. That’s why cleaning up a sewage backup isn’t a DIY project. You need trained professionals who know how to handle biohazard materials safely and thoroughly.

What Should You Do If a Sewage Backup Happens?

Here’s what to do (and not do) if sewage starts backing up into your home:

✅ DO:

• Get everyone (especially kids and pets) out of the affected area
• Shut off electricity to the area if it’s safe to do so
• Call a professional sewage cleanup team immediately
• Document the damage with photos for insurance purposes
• Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process
  
  

❌ DON’T:

• Try to clean it yourself — this could expose you to harmful pathogens
• Use the plumbing — flushing toilets or running water could make it worse
• Wait to address the issue — moisture leads to mold in as little as 24 hours
  
  

How We Handle Sewage Cleanup at Restoration 1 of Waterbury

At Restoration 1 of Waterbury, we’ve seen it all — and we’re ready to handle even the worst sewage emergencies. Our certified technicians use hospital-grade disinfectants, commercial drying equipment, and strict safety protocols to make sure your space is not only clean, but safe.

Here’s a peek at how we handle sewage cleanup:

1. Fast Emergency Response

We’re available 24/7 to respond quickly — because the longer sewage sits, the worse the damage gets.

2. Containment and Extraction

We block off the affected area to prevent contamination from spreading, then extract all sewage water using high-powered pumps.

3. Thorough Disinfection

All surfaces are cleaned, scrubbed, and sanitized using EPA-approved biohazard products to kill germs and bacteria.

4. Drying and Dehumidifying

After disinfection, we dry the area completely using industrial air movers and dehumidifiers. This helps prevent mold growth.

5. Final Inspection and Repairs

We finish with a detailed inspection and can assist with any needed repairs, including drywall, flooring, or baseboard replacement.

Real Talk: Can Insurance Cover Sewage Cleanup?

In many cases, yes — especially if the backup was caused by a sudden, accidental issue. Most homeowner policies will cover cleanup, repairs, and even damaged belongings. However, every policy is different.

That’s why we work directly with your insurance company to handle documentation, estimates, and claims support — saving you the stress of dealing with it alone.

How to Prevent Sewage Backups in the First Place

While not every sewage disaster is avoidable, here are some tips that can reduce your risk:

• Don’t flush wipes, paper towels, or grease down the drain
• Install a backwater valve to stop city sewer water from entering your home
• Schedule routine septic tank inspections and maintenance
• Have your sewer lines cleaned every few years (especially in older homes)
• Keep trees and large shrubs away from underground pipes
  

These small steps can help you avoid big headaches down the line.

Serving Harwinton and Beyond

Our team at Restoration 1 of Waterbury is proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Harwinton, Waterbury, Torrington, Litchfield, Thomaston, and other nearby towns in Connecticut. As a locally owned business, we care deeply about helping our community stay safe and recover quickly when disaster strikes.

When You Need Help, We’re Here — 24/7

No one expects to deal with sewage backing up into their home — but if it happens, know that you don’t have to face it alone.

Restoration 1 of Waterbury is available 24/7 to help you handle the cleanup, protect your health, and get your property back to normal fast. Our certified team is just a phone call away.