The Hidden Dangers of Sewage Backups

Most homeowners don’t think twice about what goes down their drains—until it comes back up. A sewage backup isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a serious health hazard that requires immediate professional attention. At First Response Restoration, we’ve responded to countless sewage emergencies in Newton, Brookline, Boston, and Providence, and we can tell you—this is not a DIY situation.

It’s More Than Just Dirty Water

When a sewage backup happens, you’re dealing with water that contains bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. This contaminated water—known as “black water”—can carry diseases like E. coli, hepatitis, and even parasites. Just touching it or breathing in the fumes from it can make you or your family sick.

Property Damage Adds Up Quickly

Sewage doesn’t just sit on the floor. It seeps into walls, flooring, furniture, and anything porous. That smell? It doesn’t just go away on its own. If not properly cleaned and disinfected, your home can suffer long-term damage, including rot, mold growth, and lingering odors that make the space unlivable.

Common Causes of Sewage Backups

Sewage issues often start with:

• Clogged main sewer lines
• Tree roots are invading pipes.
• Broken or collapsed sewer lines
• Heavy rain overwhelms city systems

We’ve seen older homes in Providence and Brookline experience repeated backups due to aging infrastructure, especially after major storms.

Don’t Delay—Call the Pros

If you’re facing a sewage backup, the most important thing you can do is get professional help fast. At First Response Restoration, our technicians are certified to safely clean and disinfect sewage-contaminated areas. We’ll respond in 30 minutes or less, 24 hours a day.

We handle everything from initial cleanup to working with your insurance company. And we do it safely, thoroughly, and with compassion—because we understand how upsetting this kind of emergency can be.

A sewage backup is more than just a mess—it’s a health risk. Don’t try to clean it up with bleach and a mop. Call First Response Restoration at 774-670-5912 anytime, day or night. We’ll take care of the cleanup so you can focus on getting life back to normal.

This post was written by a professional at First Response Restoration. First Response Restoration provides Sewage Cleanup Providence RI, mold removal near you, and emergency restoration services throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New England. We’re licensed, bonded, insured, and fully certified to handle residential and commercial restoration projects.