Cleaning a Sewer Backup

In the event of a sewage backup in your home or business, it is important to evacuate all people and pets from the area.  Personal safety has to be prioritized if contaminated water is leaking into your property.  Sewage backups often come with copious amounts of bacteria that can be harmful if not cleaned up properly, so it is important to contact a restoration professional for help in the event of a major spill.

For All Sewage Spills, Use Caution During the Cleanup Process

For large sewage spills, the area should be cleared and a professional contacted to handle the clean-up.  Sewage contains bacteria that can be harmful to anyone exposed without taking the necessary safety precautions.  If the area is not cleaned and sanitized properly, the bacteria can remain and even spread long after the cleaning process.

If the sewer backup is minor and limited to one area such as the bathroom or a section of the kitchen, many people will choose to attempt cleaning it themselves.  The first step is to isolate the area to prevent contamination to other parts of the home or business.  The sewage water should be removed as soon as possible, all done while wearing protective gear including rubber gloves, rubber boots, protective eyewear and a face mask.

Remove any standing water with a wet / dry vacuum or a pump.  Items can then be removed from the area, tossing the property that was contaminated by the sewage.  If there is carpeting, rip up the carpeting and any padding underneath and dispose of this as well.  You can then begin the process of cleaning the area using a disinfectant solution on the floor, walls and any fixtures.  Don’t hesitate to continuously change the water and cleaning solution throughout the process, as it will become tainted.

Dry the Area after Cleaning and Disinfecting

After the contaminated area has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, you need ensure all areas are properly dried so that mold growth or rot does not occur in the long run.  Depending on the season, you may be able to open windows and setup fans. In most scenarios a dehumidifier and fans will work best.   

Once the work is done, properly dispose of the protective clothing that you wore during the process and immediately take a hot shower, using antibacterial soap.

The process of cleaning a sewage backup can not only be unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous if you are exposed to bacteria that it carries.  The restoration team at Soil-Away is experienced in these types of clean-ups.  Contact Soil-Away at 603-641-6555.