The short answer
Why Old Sewage Smells Dangerous
The smell of old sewage is not just unpleasant. It signals the presence of gases and microbes that can affect your health. Hydrogen sulfide gives that rotten egg odor, and methane is also common. Both can cause symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and nausea when inhaled in small amounts.
Beyond gases, sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. When you breathe them in, they can irritate your lungs and airways. People with asthma, allergies, or weak immune systems are more sensitive. Even healthy individuals can feel unwell after prolonged exposure, so it is wise to treat the smell as a warning.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you have been around old sewage smell, watch for signs like sore throat, coughing, watery eyes, or a stuffy nose. You might also feel tired, get a headache, or have an upset stomach. These symptoms can appear right away or after a few hours.
More serious reactions include trouble breathing, chest tightness, or a rapid heartbeat. If you or anyone in your home feels very unwell, leave the area and see a doctor. Do not try to clean up large sewage spills yourself, especially in enclosed spaces where gases can build up.
- Headache and dizziness
- Nausea or stomach cramps
- Coughing or throat irritation
- Eye, nose, or skin irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or confusion
How to Protect Your Family
When you notice a sewage smell, open windows and doors to let in fresh air. Turn off HVAC systems so the odor does not spread through the house. Keep children and pets away from the affected area. Do not use fans that might blow contaminated air around.
Avoid touching sewage or items that have been soaked. Wear gloves, a mask, and old clothes if you must enter the area briefly. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward. The longer sewage sits, the more dangerous it becomes, so act quickly to get help.
Cleaning Up Safely
Cleaning old sewage is not a do-it-yourself job. The mess often soaks into drywall, flooring, and baseboards, where bacteria can hide. Simply wiping the surface does not remove the health risk. The pros have the right equipment, such as industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and antimicrobial treatments.
They also know how to remove and dispose of contaminated materials properly. If you live in Daytona Beach, remember that the humid climate can make mold grow quickly after water damage. Local water damage pros can assess the extent of the problem and recommend the safest way to restore your home.
- Wear rubber gloves and an N95 mask
- Remove soaked carpets and padding
- Dispose of porous items like cardboard
- Clean hard surfaces with disinfectant
- Dry the area completely within 48 hours
- Ventilate the space throughout the process
When to Call the Pros
Call the pros if the sewage smell has been present for more than a day, if the spill covers a large area, or if you cannot find the source. A slow leak behind a wall can go unnoticed and cause serious health issues. The pros can locate the problem and clean it thoroughly.
They will also check for hidden moisture that could lead to mold. The cost of professional cleaning depends on the size of the affected area, the type of materials, and how long the sewage has been sitting. It is often worth the investment to protect your health and your home.
Water damage does not wait
Call (386) 272-5697 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get sick from sewage smell?
Symptoms can appear quickly after exposure, depending on the concentration of gases and your sensitivity. Short contact might cause a mild headache or nausea. Longer exposure, such as living with the smell for days, increases the risk of respiratory problems. If you feel unwell, leave and see a doctor.
Can sewage smell make you sick even if you don't touch it?
Yes. Breathing the air around sewage is enough to inhale harmful gases and airborne particles. Even without direct contact, you can experience headaches, coughing, or irritation. People with asthma or allergies are more vulnerable. Ventilate the area and get help to remove the source.
Is it safe to sleep in a room that smells like sewage?
No, it is not safe. Sleeping in a room with a sewage smell means prolonged exposure to gases and bacteria. This can worsen symptoms and affect your breathing overnight. Open windows, leave the room closed off, and call the pros to find and fix the problem before sleeping there again.