Sewage contamination in outdoor spaces can pose serious health and environmental risks if not addressed promptly and effectively. Whether caused by a storm, pipe burst, or septic tank overflow, handling sewage spills requires meticulous care to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxins. While some homeowners may attempt to clean up sewage contamination in their backyard gardens themselves, it requires a systematic and careful approach best left to the professionals. Contact us at Bio Hazard Services Pty Ltd for professional Sewage Cleanup services that restore your space to pristine condition.

Here’s our guide outlining the critical steps for safely cleaning up outdoor sewage contamination while safeguarding personal health and restoring affected areas.

Assess the extent of damage – Before beginning the cleanup, thoroughly evaluate the situation to understand the scope of the contamination.

Start by identifying all affected areas, including the soil, grass, plants, and any structures like patios, sheds, or fences. Check for visible signs of sewage, such as discoloured soil, debris, or foul odours. 

Document the damage with photos and written notes, especially if you intend to file an insurance claim. Providing detailed evidence will help ensure a smoother claims process and adequate compensation for repairs and restoration.

Protect yourself – Safety should always be your top priority when dealing with sewage contamination.

Ensure you wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including: 
– Rubber gloves 
– Waterproof boots 
– Long-sleeved clothing 
– A face mask or respirator to avoid inhaling airborne contaminants 

Avoid direct contact with sewage-contaminated water or materials. After the cleanup, remove and sanitise all PPE and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to minimise the risk of infection.

Stop the source – If the sewage overflow is still active, you need to stop the source to prevent further contamination.

Locate and shut off the water supply if the issue originates from a plumbing failure.

If the cause lies beyond your control, such as a municipal sewer backup, contact your local sewage authority immediately. Prompt action will help limit the spread of contamination and reduce the cleanup workload.

Remove contaminated soil – Soil that has absorbed sewage must be carefully removed and disposed of according to local regulations.

Dig out the contaminated soil, placing it in heavy-duty plastic bags to prevent leaks. Work methodically to ensure no sewage residue remains in the affected area. 

Once the contaminated soil has been removed, replace it with fresh, clean soil to promote the recovery of your garden or outdoor space. This step is essential for restoring the natural environment and preventing lingering health hazards.

Clean and disinfect – Thorough cleaning and disinfection are critical for ensuring the safety of your outdoor space.

Wash all surfaces, tools, and equipment exposed to the sewage with a powerful disinfectant. Focus on areas such as concrete, fences, or outdoor furniture that may have come into contact with contaminated water. 

After completing the cleaning process, wash your clothing and hands with hot water and an antibacterial soap. This practice reduces the risk of spreading harmful pathogens to other areas.

Monitor plants and trees – Plants and trees in the affected area may have absorbed sewage contaminants.

Inspect them carefully for signs of damage or distress, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth. 

If contamination levels are low, some plants may recover naturally. However, severely affected vegetation might need to be pruned or removed to prevent long-term soil and ecosystem damage. Regular monitoring and prompt action can help restore your outdoor greenery to health.

Bio Hazard Services Pty Ltd specialises in sewage cleanup, ensuring thorough decontamination and disinfection.

When sewage backups or leaks occur, they can quickly become a health hazard and damage your property. Cleaning up outdoor sewage contamination is a challenging and potentially hazardous task. This is where our expert sewage cleanup services make a difference. For comprehensive and safe restoration, consider enlisting professional help from the team at Bio Hazard Services Pty Ltd. Our trained team uses advanced techniques and equipment to restore your indoor and outdoor spaces efficiently and safely.  We are equipped with the tools and knowledge to safely and efficiently clean up sewage in any setting, whether it’s a residential or commercial property.

In addition to sewage cleanup, our emergency services include Covid-19 Cleaning, Biohazard Cleaning, Decontamination and Disinfection, Meth Cleaning and Restoration Services. We operate across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Regional NSW, covering areas like Katoomba, Bathurst, Lithgow, Orange, Wellington, Penrith, Blacktown, Windsor, Campbelltown, and Parramatta. 

Get in touch with us here, email or call us on 0490439319. Let us help you restore your space to safety and peace of mind.