Understanding how to clean up raw sewage in the basement begins with understanding the risks. The dangers arise when utility lines enter the damp basement. If you’re concerned about your safety or want the gas and electricity turned off, do not hesitate to contact your city’s utility companies. Follow these simple cleanup steps if the sewage backup did not damage the basement outlets and connections.
How to Remove Sewage Backup
Cleaning up sewage backups can be difficult, unpleasant, and dangerous. It’s recommended to hire a professional cleaner to clean your home. Check out this article for a detailed breakdown of what to do if a sewage backup is discovered in your home.
1. Put on Protective Gear
Sewage water contains everything flushed into toilets, but this is only a fraction of the harmful contaminants it has. Because the sewage cleaning process exposes you to filthy black water, you must put on protective equipment before beginning. Wear waterproof clothing, boots, gloves, and a face mask. Wearing protective clothing prevents harmful substances from entering or penetrating the body.
2. Protect Other Areas of the House
Imagine the devastation of sewage leaks into your basement and spreading throughout the house. Close any doors between non-affected rooms and the contaminated room. This method reduces the risk of water and other debris caused by sewage entering the house. Furthermore, this prevents any microbes floating around the house from spreading.
3. Determine the Source
When attempting to remove sewage water from your basement, the first step is to identify the source of the problem. If you can’t figure out where the water is coming from, use buckets or a large-capacity shop vac to remove it. In other cases, contact a professional disaster cleanup contractor and ask them to inspect the area.
4. Dispose of Contaminated Items
Cleaning your basement without removing everything contaminated by filthy water is difficult. Remove all furniture, carpeting, and other household items. If your basement has a door that leads to the outside, it will save you a lot of time and effort when carrying heavy items up the stairs.
5. Scrub the Surfaces
Scrub all filthy surfaces with a clean towel or brush. The most efficient method is to clean from top to bottom. The walls, steps, and floors of the basement should be cleaned with mild detergent and then rinsed with hot, clear water containing a disinfection solution.
6. Examine for Mold
If sewage backs up into the basement, it can lead to a severe mold outbreak. Even after you have cleaned up the mess, moisture and contaminants may remain, encouraging mold development. Check for mold in the basement following any flooding.
7. Start the Drying Process
If the humidity level is low, open the windows in the affected rooms. Depending on the humidity outside and the width of the windows, drying out the basement could take several days or even longer. Install box fans on the corners to create cross-ventilation to speed up the process. Install a heavy-duty dehumidifier as well. The drying process takes at least three days to complete.
9. Arrange for Inspections
Only experts, like water removal in Austin, TX, are qualified to remove sewage. Find a reputable restoration company and a licensed electrician, plumber, and water damage specialist. Choose a convenient time for them to inspect your home. Do not put off dealing with a sewage backup because it could cause more damage if not addressed. The contractors have the necessary equipment and knowledge to remove it without endangering anyone else.
