Active Health Hazard — Do Not DIY
Sewage Spills: Why This Is Different From Water Damage
Sewage is classified as Category 3 water under IICRC S500 standards — the most hazardous category. Unlike a burst pipe or basement flood, a sewage spill is a biohazard response. Standard water damage cleanup protocols are not sufficient and can make the contamination worse by spreading pathogens.
All porous materials that contact sewage — drywall, insulation, carpeting, wood flooring — must be removed, not dried. Non-porous surfaces require hospital-grade disinfection. Air must be scrubbed with HEPA filtration during and after removal. This is the difference between a properly remediated home and one with ongoing health risks. See our related sewer backup cleanup service for drain-specific situations.
When to Call for Emergency Sewage Cleanup in Toronto
- Raw sewage visible on floors, walls, or in water anywhere in your home
- Strong persistent fecal odour that does not dissipate within an hour
- Sewage entering from a toilet overflow or basement floor drain
- Any dark or discoloured backup water that appears contaminated
- Family members experiencing gastrointestinal illness after a water event at home
