How to Handle Raw Sewage in Your Basement
Raw Sewage in Your Basement? Here’s What to Do Next
It starts with a smell. Then you notice water pooling where it shouldn’t be. And before you know it, you're staring at raw sewage bubbling up into your basement. It’s not just gross, it’s dangerous. If you’re in East Tennessee and dealing with a sewage backup, know this: you are not alone, and there is a safe way forward.
At Precision Structures, Inc., we’ve seen just how quickly a sewage backup can turn from an inconvenience to a full-blown emergency. We’re here to walk you through exactly what to do, why you should never handle raw sewage alone, and how professional sewage cleanup in East Tennessee can help protect your family, your health, and your home.
Why Sewage Backups Happen
Sewage backups can occur for many reasons, especially in areas with older plumbing or after heavy rainfall. Common causes include:
Blocked or collapsed sewer lines
Tree root intrusion
Overflow from toilets or drains
Stormwater overwhelming city systems
Unfortunately, when raw sewage backs up into your home, it brings more than just an unpleasant smell. It carries dangerous bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that can make you and your family seriously ill.
Why You Should Never DIY Sewage Cleanup
We get it. You want to fix the problem fast. But attempting to clean up sewage yourself without the proper tools and protective gear can actually make the situation worse. Here's why:
Sewage is classified as Category 3 water, which means it's highly contaminated and can include E. coli, hepatitis, and parasites.
Porous materials like carpet, drywall, and wood can’t be fully disinfected once they absorb sewage.
Improper cleanup can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and airborne contamination.
Handling sewage without PPE (personal protective equipment) can cause skin infections, respiratory problems, or worse.
Professional sewage cleanup companies like Precision Structures follow strict safety protocols to contain the contamination, remove hazardous waste, and disinfect your space.
What to Do While You Wait for Help
If you’ve already called for professional sewage cleanup in East Tennessee, here are a few steps you can safely take while you wait:
Keep people and pets away from the affected area
Turn off electricity to the basement if it’s safe to do so
Do not use any plumbing in the home until the backup is resolved
Ventilate the area by opening windows if possible
Document the damage for your insurance company with photos and videos
Avoid trying to mop up or clean anything until a professional team has assessed the space.
Our Process for Emergency Sewage Cleanup in East Tennessee
At Precision Structures, Inc., we follow a multi-step process to safely restore your home:
Emergency Response & Containment: We arrive quickly, assess the situation, and contain the damage to prevent it from spreading.
Extraction & Removal: Our team uses commercial-grade equipment to remove standing sewage and contaminated materials.
Disinfection & Deodorizing: We thoroughly clean, sanitize, and deodorize all affected areas.
Structural Repair & Restoration: If flooring, drywall, or other structural components were compromised, we restore them to pre-loss condition.
Insurance Coordination: We work with your adjuster to document every step, ensuring you receive the support you're entitled to.
Why East Tennessee Homeowners Trust Us
As a local business based in Dandridge, Precision Structures, Inc. understands the unique needs of East Tennessee homes, from crawl spaces to basements to rural septic systems. We combine big-company equipment with the personal touch of a small-town team.
Whether it’s sewage cleanup, water damage, or full restoration, our goal is to handle the dirty work so you can focus on what matters: getting your home and life back to normal.
Need Sewage Help Now? Don’t wait and hope the problem goes away. Contact the team at Precision Structures, Inc. for trusted, professional sewage cleanup and restoration. We’re here to help safely, quickly, and thoroughly.