Understanding the risks is the first step in learning how to clean up raw sewage in the basement. Dangerous situations arise when utility lines enter a damp basement. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the city’s utility companies if you’re worried about your safety and want the power and gas turned off. Follow these simple cleanup procedures if basement connections and outlets were not damaged by sewage backup.
How to Clean Up Sewage Backup
Sewage backup cleanup is a challenging, unpleasant, and potentially dangerous task. In most cases, it’s best to hire professional cleaners. Read on for an overview of what to do if a sewage backup develops in your home.
1. Wear Protective Gear
Sewage water contains everything flushed down toilets, which is only a fraction of the toxic pollutants it contains. Performing sewage cleanup exposes you to highly contaminated black water; therefore, you should wear protective gear before starting. You should wear water-resistant coveralls, boots, gloves, and a face mask. Wearing protective gear will prevent dangerous substances from penetrating or entering the body.
2. Protect Other Areas of the House
If you have sewage in your basement, imagine the disaster if it spreads throughout the rest of your home. Seal off any connecting doors between unaffected rooms and the contaminated ones. By doing this, the chance of water and debris from sewage entering the home is reduced. Furthermore, this will stop any microbes floating around the house from spreading.
3. Identify the Source
When trying to get rid of sewage water in your basement, one of your first tasks should be locating the source of the problem. If the sump pump is working, support it by removing water with buckets or a large-capacity shop vac if you can’t locate the source; otherwise, call a professional contractor and have them inspect the area.
4. Dispose of Contaminated Items
Restoring your basement without removing everything contaminated by dirty water will be difficult. Get rid of any contaminated flooring, furniture, or other items. If you have a door leading outside from your basement, it will save you a lot of time and effort from carrying heavy items up and down the stairs.
5. Clean Up the Surfaces
Take a brush or towel and scrub down all the dirty surfaces. Cleaning from the top down is the most effective method. The basement’s steps, walls, and flooring must be washed with a low-sudsing detergent, then rinsed with hot, clear water containing a disinfection solution.
6. Check for Mold
When sewage backs up into a basement, it can cause a serious mold infestation. Despite your best efforts, moisture and pollutants may still be present, encouraging mold development even after you’ve cleaned up the mess. Following any flooding in the basement, routinely inspect the area for mold.
7. Start the Drying Process
If the humidity is low enough, open the windows in the affected rooms. Drying out a basement can take several days or more, depending on the humidity level outside and how open the windows are; to speed up the process, place box fans in the corners to produce cross-ventilation and install a powerful dehumidifier. The drying process needs at least three days to complete. Search the internet to find more info about the restoration process.
8. Schedule Inspections
Only professionals have the ability to remove sewage. Get in touch with professionals like restoration companies in Austin, TX, certified electricians, plumbers, and water damage experts. Set up a convenient time for them to look at your home. Don’t take any chances; a sewage backup might cause further damage if neglected. Contractors have access to the equipment and training necessary to remove it without putting anyone in danger.
