What To Do After a Sewage Backup?

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

A blocked sewer line can cause sewage backup in your home

How Should a Sewage Backup Be Handled?

Sewage backup is a nightmare. The smell is unbearable and can linger for weeks after the cleanup. It's important to know how to address this issue, so you can protect yourself, keep your family safe and get the clean-up done right away.

Protecting Yourself from Sewage

While you're waiting for your home to be cleaned or repaired, it's important to take care of yourself and your family. If you've experienced a sewage backup, you should avoid going into any water that may have been contaminated by wastewater. It is also crucial that you always wear protective clothing while working around areas where sewage has flooded.

How to React to a Sewage Backup

If you have a sewage backup, it's best to keep everyone out of the area until professional help arrives. Do not use any electrical appliances or exposed water sources until they've been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized by a professional. Don't flush toilets or run water as this can cause more damage to your home. It is especially important not to use any fireplaces or wood stoves while there are still standing pools of sewage in your basement because methane gas is produced by decaying organic matter such as fecal matter.

Where Does the Water Come From?

Whether you are dealing with a sewage backup in your home or basement, the source of the problem is usually one of two things: a blocked toilet or drain, or a blocked sewer line. The type of blockage will determine which area needs to be addressed.

If your Ladue, MO home has experienced a sewage backup from one of these sources, there are three ways to proceed: remove the water yourself and clean up as much as possible before calling a professional; hire someone else to do it for you; or call in professionals who can handle both removal and cleanup at once (usually recommended).

How Do You Clean Sewage Damage?

Once you've determined that the area is safe, it's time to start cleaning up. Keep in mind that some materials can be cleaned without special equipment or training. If the affected area is small and accessible, use your regular laundry detergent and hot water to do a quick scrubbing. Use disinfectant on any items that can't be laundered (like carpet), tape off areas not yet cleaned, and wash with soap and hot water before allowing residents back into their homes.

When you're dealing with sewage backup on a larger scale—or if you have more sensitive materials—it's important to bring in specialists who can help with the cleanup process. If possible, keep all tools used in cleanup until they've been disinfected as well; this will prevent cross-contamination between sites throughout your home or business while also reducing risk of disease outbreak among employees who may encounter contaminated items later on down the road.

Why Hire Professionals for Sewer Cleanup?

If you are not a sewer cleaning expert, there are several reasons why hiring a professional company is the best option. They have the equipment and expertise to get the job done right. They can provide guarantees for their work, and they are more likely to follow safety protocols than you would be. Additionally, if a problem arises after they finish their work, they can refer you to other qualified professionals who will fix it at no additional cost.

Prepare for the Cleanup

If you do not have the time and resources to clean up a sewage backup on your own, we recommend calling in a professional. The cleanup process can be quite labor intensive and there are many things that can go wrong if you don't know what you're doing.

Proper preparation is key when cleaning up after a sewage backup. You will want to put down protective tarps or plastic sheeting to prevent contaminants from spreading outside of your home's perimeter, as well as wear rubber gloves and boots during cleanup efforts (your clothes may never smell the same again otherwise!). It's also important that you keep an eye out for any physical injuries sustained by those involved in contact with contaminated water; keep basic first aid supplies on hand so that they can be treated quickly if needed.

It’s important to remember that, even if the cleanup is done well, there will always be some level of inconvenience and frustration. Sewage backups are not something anyone wants to deal with, but they can happen at any time. If your home has been affected by a sewage backup, don’t panic! You can find help with our team by calling (314) 863-4555 or filling out our free quote form online.