Water damage restoration
Sewage Cleanup in the Hudson Valley and Capital Region
H&H Environmental handles sewage cleanup along with water damage restoration, and provides 24/7 emergency service. Sewage is contaminated water, so the first rule is to avoid contact with it.
Call, and tell us where the property is so we can confirm we can get to you.
Where sewage cleanup fits in H&H’s work
Sewage cleanup is one of the services H&H handles beyond the six core water damage services. Water that has touched sewage is treated as contaminated.
Water extraction
Removing standing water from the structure.
Removal of wet or damaged materials
Taking out materials that can’t be saved, where necessary.
Antimicrobial treatment
Antimicrobial treatment of the affected area.
What sewage can carry
Germs
EPA says raw sewage can carry bacteria, viruses, protozoa, intestinal worms and inhaled molds and fungi, and that people are exposed through direct contact with contaminated areas.
Avoid contact
EPA’s guidance for a backup into a home is blunt: avoid contact, because it may carry harmful germs.
If someone feels ill
If anyone in the household feels ill after contact, talk to a healthcare professional.
Who to contact
The health department
EPA advises that if sewage backs up into your home you contact your local health department or regulatory agency for guidance.
Electricity
If sewage-contaminated water is standing in a basement that flooded before the power was shut off, do not enter and contact the power company.
What usually has to be replaced
Porous materials
Anything porous that sewage soaks into is difficult or impossible to make safe to use again. EPA says rugs, curtains, flooring, wallboard and upholstered furniture that contact sewage usually must be replaced.
Sorting after a flood
The NYS Department of Health lists what can usually be saved and what to discard after flooding.
How EPA describes cleaning an affected area
This is EPA’s guidance for a sewage backup into a home. It describes the standard, not H&H’s procedure.
Cleaned and disinfected
After a basement floods with sewage, EPA says the damaged area must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Drying before use
EPA says to dry the area thoroughly and not use it until it has been fully dry for at least 24 hours.
Protective gear
EPA says cleanup workers should wear protective gear such as long rubber gloves and face shields.
Never mix products
Never mix cleaning products or add bleach to other chemicals, because the mixture can create toxic vapors (EPA).
Sewage backup after a storm
Saturated systems
Orange County’s hazard plan says floodwater can saturate septic tanks and underground pipes designed for gravity flow, which may lead to sewage backup, and can overwhelm stormwater infrastructure.
Guides that go deeper
Insurance
We work directly with your insurance carrier and provide documentation and direct billing for covered losses.
Whether a loss is covered depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. For more on how a claim works, see insurance help.
Frequently asked questions
Is sewage backup dangerous?
It can be. EPA says raw sewage can carry bacteria, viruses, protozoa, intestinal worms and inhaled molds and fungi (EPA). Avoid contact, and talk to a healthcare professional if anyone feels ill after exposure.
Who should I call first after a sewage backup?
EPA advises contacting your local health department or regulatory agency for guidance. For the cleanup itself, call a professional and your insurance company when appropriate.
Can carpet and drywall that touched sewage be saved?
Usually not. EPA says rugs, curtains, flooring, wallboard and upholstered furniture that contact sewage usually must be replaced.
Sources
The safety, health and local statements above come from these public sources. This article summarizes them in its own words, so follow the links for the full guidance. Each page was read on October 7, 2026.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Frequent Questions
Raw sewage can carry bacteria, viruses, protozoa, intestinal worms and inhaled molds and fungi; basement backups; areas touched by sewage must be cleaned and disinfected; what usually must be replaced.
- Resolving Septic System Malfunctions
If sewage backs up into your home: avoid contact, contact the local health department or regulatory agency, protective gear for cleanup workers, washing and disinfecting afterward, drying.
- Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your Health
Sorting materials, drying a flooded home, moisture meters, how long drying takes, when to get professional help.
New York State Department of Health
- Flooding: Quick Reference Guide
Do not enter a flooded basement if the electricity may be on; removing standing water; fuel oil; what to discard.
- Flood Cleanup and Home Repair
Standing water, protective gear, what to discard and what can usually be saved, documentation for insurance.
Orange County, NY (copy posted by the Town of Newburgh)
- Orange County Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (final draft, December 23, 2024)
Dated flood events including flooded basements; the July 9, 2023 storm; floodwater overwhelming stormwater systems and saturating septic tanks, which may lead to sewage backup. The draft was 'approval pending adoption' by FEMA when read.
Related help from H&H
H&H focuses on these counties: Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Columbia, Albany, Saratoga, Fulton, Greene. Call and tell us where the property is, and we will confirm availability.