There’s no doubt about it—sewage is gross. But it also carries harmful bacteria. Whether by overflowing water or a drain that just won’t clog, you want to avoid coming into contact with sewage backups in their entirety.
It’s important to consider your health when responding to a sewage backup. The best way to respond (and the safest way) is to call a local sewage cleanup company such as us at Cleanup & Total Restoration. That way you can mitigate both your fears and sewage content in the same service.
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What is a Sewage Backup?
A sewage backup is simply a combination of water and waste stuck inside a pipe. When they are left to sit for an extended period, backups become a widespread septic issue.
Call a plumbing company to arrive and locate, remove, and remediate sewage backups effectively.
It’s not that you aren’t capable of removing them yourself, but that you could indirectly prolong the process by not having the experience to do so.
Sewage Backup Water Classification
The type of water uncovered inside your pipes will help the professionals figure out where and why the backup occurred. Category one and two water damage can contain unhealthy pathogens, but it is not necessarily dangerous.
Category 3 (or black water) is the most dangerous type of water damage, as it has a high bacteria content. Pathogens found in category three water damage are health-compromising, so it’s best to not try and remove them on your own.
Flooded water from extreme weather conditions such as storms or heavy rainfall can bring in river or stream water. These naturally occurring bodies of water may carry black water. If you know that your home has recently been struck by outdoor water, call a professional to remove it safely.
Precautions to Take Before Starting Sewage Cleanup
You want to implement a few protective measures to keep your safety and health in check before beginning sewage cleanup. Although we highly recommend letting the professionals do the dirty work, here are a few easy steps you can take to minimize contact with sewage:
- Minimize Direct Contact With Sewer Water
- Block Off Contaminated Areas (From Family/Visitors)
- Do Not Eat or Drink Anything Close to Water
- Keep Contaminated Objects Out of Reach
- Wash Hands Frequently
How to Cleanup a Sewage Backup In Your Home
Once you have the necessary protective gear, you can consider cleaning up sewage. Ensure that all compromised areas a blocked off from those who aren’t participating in the cleanup process.
If you haven’t already identified the source of the leak or backup, contact your local cleanup company to do so. They may have a quicker location method on hand.
Here are the industry-recommended steps for cleaning up a sewage backup in your home:
1. Ensure Safety and Secure the Area
Step one is always ensuring the safety of both yourself and any additional residents. You must create a centralized work location that can’t allow others (without protective gear) inside.
Make sure that before you begin removing present damage you document every wet spot area or sewage-compromised room.
2. Identify the Leak
Before diving in to locate the leak, make sure all gas and power lines are shut off. This minimizes the chance of unhealthy exposures.
Now, head for the drain that is exhibiting foul smells, weird noises, and slow drainage. You should immediately be able to visually spot if the drain isn’t able to extract water. If you do, however, need help locating the leak source, contact CTR.
3. Remove Standing Water
Using a high-powered pump, remove standing water and place it in a waste-specific container. Then, follow the standard procedures for disposing of hazardous waste. Call us for this information if you cannot find it
4. Dispose of Any Affected Debris
Furniture, internal structures, or personal belongings that have been touched by sewage water need to be thrown away immediately. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since the initial exposure; these items could be carrying bacteria.
5. Move Affected Items
Any item that isn’t waterlogged can be recovered. It’s the compromised structures like floor panels, cabinets, or walls that cannot be recovered and must be removed. Let us decide what we can or cannot recover with a simple CTR inspection.
Items that cannot be recovered need to be isolated to a water- and damage-free area, most likely outside of the property. Once again, if you’re doing this alone, wear the right gear before removing anything.
6. Clean And Disinfect
You’ll want to apply a chemical solution to each infected area. This helps minimize future mold, bacteria, or wet spot development. All you need to do is grab a clean cloth and wipe down each surface.
For an impactful cleaning process that promises to remove all hidden or buried bacteria, look to your local restoration service.
7. Dry and Dehumidify
Drying in the professional sense is done with a set of pressurized tools that make sure to remove any leftover moisture. This is the most effective way to prevent structurally altering damage like rot.
Dehumidification can be done at home by simply opening up a few windows. Naturally, moisture will rise and evacuate.
What to Do After Sewage Cleanup
Immediately following the cleanup process, carry out these simple processes:
- Check For Repairs
- Clean All Impacted Items
- Ensure Food and Water Safety
- Inspect For Mold
- Get a Professional Inspection
- Put In a Place Preventative Measures
- Monitor Your Health
When to Call a Professional
Is the sewage backup dangerous or health-compromising? If so, then call the professionals. A locally available company (that’s us!) should be able to tell you exactly what restoration service you need.
Call a professional if it feels like the damage may be spreading or airborne. You cannot combat widespread bacteria exposure with at-home tools. To minimize the chance of illness, call a professional the second you notice sewage content on-site.
What to Do If You’re Exposed to Sewage Water
Don’t go near any sewage-infested areas following an exposure. Simply start in a water-free area until a professional arrives to mitigate the intrusion.
If you do end up having to move around an impacted area, proceed with caution.
We recommend following these safe, health-ensuring procedures if you’ve been exposed to sewage water:
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
- Refrain From Touching Your Eyes, Mouth, or Nose
- Dispose of Contaminated Clothing
- Shower Immediately
- Contact a Doctor if Feeling ill
Call CTR for Immediate Sewage Cleanup
Boise residents may find CTR an easily accessible sewage cleanup option in their area. With localized expertise, we know how to tackle Idaho-specific property damage.
Experience a hassle-free sewage cleanup or restoration process when you partner with Cleanup & Total Restoration today.
