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Juanita Bay Water ResponseWater Damage Help · Kirkland, WA

Can You Get Sick Just From Being Near a Sewage Backup?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

What Contaminants Are in Sewage

Sewage contains a mix of pathogens, including E. Coli, salmonella, hepatitis A, and norovirus. These microbes can become airborne when water splashes or when the sewage dries and particles float. Even without direct contact, you can inhale these droplets or spores.

The smell you notice is more than unpleasant. Gases like hydrogen sulfide and methane can cause headaches, nausea, or dizziness in high concentrations. The longer the sewage sits, the more the bacteria multiply and the higher the risk to anyone nearby.

  • Wear an N95 mask and gloves if you must be near the area.
  • Open windows and doors to increase airflow before entering.
  • Turn off your HVAC system to avoid spreading contaminants.
  • Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
  • Do not eat, drink, or touch your face while in the vicinity.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any exposure.

How Illness Spreads Through the Air

When sewage backs up, the water carries pathogens that can aerosolize, meaning tiny droplets hang in the air. You can breathe these in without ever touching the mess. This is why the risk of illness is not limited to direct contact.

Even after the visible water is gone, dried sewage leaves behind contaminated dust. Disturbing the area, like walking through it or moving items, can send those particles back into the air. Proper containment and air filtration are key to reducing exposure.

Who Is Most at Risk

Healthy adults might experience mild symptoms, but the danger is greater for certain groups. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and anyone with asthma, allergies, or a compromised immune system can become seriously ill from even brief exposure.

If you feel unwell after being near a backup, see a doctor. Symptoms like fever, diarrhea, coughing, or skin irritation should be checked. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

Steps to Protect Your Household

If you face a sewage backup, your first move is to keep everyone away from the affected rooms. Shut off the water supply if you know where the valve is. In Kirkland, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act fast in an emergency.

Do not attempt to clean the sewage yourself. The pros have the right protective gear, air scrubbers, and disinfectants. They also know how to handle contaminated materials safely. Your job is to stay clear and call for help right away.

While waiting, avoid touching doorknobs, light switches, or furniture in the affected area. Those surfaces can carry pathogens. Wash your hands often and remove shoes before walking on clean floors.

  • Evacuate the area immediately and keep others out.
  • Turn off your HVAC and close doors to isolate the space.
  • Do not use fans that could blow contaminated air around.
  • Open windows only if the outside air is safe to draw in.
  • Contact local water damage pros for sewage backup cleanup and sanitation.
  • Do not attempt to wipe or mop the area yourself.

When to Bring in the Pros

A sewage backup requires professional cleanup, not a DIY mop job. The pros use industrial-grade disinfectants, air filtration, and moisture control to remove both the visible waste and the invisible pathogens. They also assess the extent of contamination in walls, floors, and ductwork.

In a mild marine climate with wet winters and dry summers, moisture can linger and promote mold growth after a backup. The pros can dry the structure thoroughly and check for hidden dampness. Do not reoccupy the space until they tell you it is safe.

If the backup affects multiple rooms or seeps into drywall or flooring, you may need structural drying and dehumidification. The pros can also inspect for water damage in areas you cannot see. Acting quickly reduces health risks and limits long-term damage to your home.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does sewage bacteria stay in the air?

Bacteria and viruses can remain airborne for hours, especially in a closed space. Even after the sewage is removed, contaminated dust can settle on surfaces and become airborne again when disturbed. Proper cleaning and air filtration are essential to remove them.

Can a sewage backup make you sick weeks later?

Yes, some pathogens like hepatitis A have long incubation periods. Also, mold can develop in damp materials and cause respiratory issues later. If you were exposed, watch for symptoms and see a doctor if you feel unwell. Professional cleanup helps prevent long-term health risks.

Is it safe to stay in the house during cleanup?

It is generally not safe to stay in the house while sewage cleanup is happening. The pros use strong chemicals and air scrubbers, and the area is contaminated. You should leave until the space is fully cleaned and dried. Ask the pros when it is safe to return.

Call Now (425) 406-3256