Does anyone have any hints on how to clean up after a bad sewer backup? There is about 2-4 ins of waste and I gag when I try to shovel it out. How can I plug up my hose or make a mask so I can get thisdisgusting task done. I don't guess there is a service where I can pay someone to do this... is there?
Maddjaxxx:eek:

Hi,
This is really the worst job anyone can do in the world, in my opinion. I've had to do the same thing!
One way is: ask around if there is anyone who does odd jobs, and would be willing to do it.
Another; Get a bag of powerded Lime, the type used on Lawns, and spread it all over the mess, but wear a mask. Masks are the "surgeon" type, inexpensive, worn over the nose and mouth with a rubber band, comes in a box of maybe 6 of them. Use the mask when throwing around the Lime, keeps you from inhaling it, because the Lime is dust. The Lime will help take away some of the odor, and help dry it out. Use as much lime as it takes to start drying it, and absorbing the wetness and odor.
I have had to spread Lime around, under my house, when a sewage line busted, a few years ago. That was not fun at all.
Best of luck.

I 2nd that: Lime is the way to go. We frequently run into this in basements and crawlspaces.

... and when you're all done, you can rent an Ozone machine to run for a day or so to top it off.

Profession cleanup for this stuff is done by crime scene cleanup companies like http://www.actremediation.com due to the hazardous nature.