Sewage backups are never a fun thing to deal with. Not only is the smell horrendous, but the cleanup process can be quite difficult as well. If you have had a sewage backup in your home, it is essential to know what to do and how to help. In this blog post, we will discuss what you should do after a sewage backup occurs and how you can help make the cleanup process easier!
Things to do immediately after a sewage backup:
Once you notice the first sign of sewage backup, it’s time to take action. The earlier you start taking preventive measures, the lesser the damage.
Close all borders between the contaminated area and the rest of the rooms: If the backup is inside your home, you’ll want to confine it to one location by closing all doors and windows leading to other parts of your house. This will help prevent the spread of contamination.
Call a professional: Sewage backups should always be handled by a professional company specializing in sewage cleanup and restoration. Attempting to clean it yourself can put you at risk of contracting diseases or being exposed to harmful chemicals.
Do not use any electronics: If the contaminated area has come into contact with any electronics, do not attempt to turn them on. Doing so could cause an electrical shock.
Remove as much water as possible: If there is standing water in the affected area, try to remove it using buckets or a wet/dry vacuum. This will help reduce the amount of water that needs to be cleaned and disinfected.
Discard any porous materials: Any materials that have come into contact with sewage water should be discarded, as they cannot be effectively cleaned and disinfected. This includes things like carpeting, drywall, insulation, and furniture.
Do not attempt to unclog any drains before standing water is removed. This could cause the contaminated water to back up into your home. Once you have taken all preventive measures, you can start the cleaning process.
However, you should only initiate the cleaning process if the backup is small and you feel you can handle the process. If the blockage is too big, you should evacuate all members of the house to a safe location. Once done, contact your insurance agent and talk to a professional expert. Should you decide to do it yourself, here are a few pointers to help you take care of things.
Start the cleanup process: Once you have taken all of the necessary precautions, you can begin cleaning and disinfecting the affected area. Be sure to wear gloves, a mask, and protective clothing.
Check for signs of backup: Is your toilet the only region of backup? or Is it your sink that’s causing the problem?. If it’s only your toilet, then the chances are that the blockage is in the sewer line and not in your home’s drains. In this case, you can try to unclog the drain yourself using a plunger or a snake. However, if the backup is coming from your sink, it’s likely that the blockage is in your home’s drains, and you’ll need to call a professional to clear it.
Cleaning and disinfecting: Once you’ve determined where the blockage is, you can begin cleaning and disinfecting the affected area. Be sure to use gloves, a mask, and protective clothing. You’ll also want to use a cleaner specifically designed for sewage cleanup.
Drying the area: Once you’ve finished cleaning and disinfecting the affected area, you’ll need to dry it thoroughly. This can be done using fans, dehumidifiers, or a combination of both.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your home should be free of any sewage contamination. However, if you have any doubts or concerns, contact a professional for help. Sewage backups can be dangerous and should always be handled with care!
Even after you have dried and disinfected the region, your house could be prime grounds for a possible mold infestation. To ensure you don’t end up with another problem, check the region every week for at least a month. If you spot visible signs of mold, call in a professional immediately. Remember, mold remediation is not a DIY project and should be left only to professionals. You not only lack the knowledge to take care of mold but also the tools to ensure that you don’t end up with the same problem a month later.
We hope that this blog post has helped you understand what to do after a sewage backup occurs. If you ever find yourself in this situation, remember to take action immediately and call a professional for help! With the right team on your side, the cleanup process will be easier than you think.
