Understanding the risks is the first step toward figuring out how to clean the raw sewage in the basement. When utility lines cross the damp basement, dangers arise. When you are 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 to ensure that sewage backup does not damage your basement outlets and connections.
How to Remove Sewage Backup
Sewage backup cleanup can be difficult, unpleasant, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. In most cases, hiring professionals to clean your home is preferable. Learn more about what to do if a sewage backup occurs in your home.
1. Put on Safety Equipment
Sewage water contains everything flushed down the toilet, which is only a fraction of the harmful pollutants it contains. The sewage cleanup process can expose you to highly polluted black water. As a result, it is strongly advised to put on safety equipment before beginning. Put on waterproof clothing, boots, gloves, and a face mask. Wearing protective clothing prevents harmful substances from entering or being absorbed by the body.
2. Protect Other Areas of the House
Consider the disaster if sewage leaks into your basement and spreads throughout your home. Close any doors that connect non-affected and affected rooms. This reduces the possibility of sewage water and debris infiltrating the home. Furthermore, this prevents any floating microbes from spreading.
3. Determine the Source
One of your primary tasks when attempting to remove sewage water from your basement is to identify the source of the problem. If your sump pump is on, remove water with buckets or a large-capacity shop vac if you can’t find the source. In other cases, you should hire a professional emergency restoration contractor 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 outside, it will save you a lot of time and effort when lifting heavy objects up and down the stairs.
5. Scrub the Surfaces
Scrub all of the dirtiest surfaces with a towel or brush. The most efficient method is to clean from top to bottom. The walls, steps, and floors of the basement must be cleaned with mild detergent and then rinsed with hot, clear water containing a disinfection solution.
6. Look for Mold
If sewage accumulates in the basement, it can cause a severe mold outbreak. Even with all of your efforts, moisture and contaminants may remain in the basement, encouraging mold growth even after you clean it up. After any flooding in the basement, inspect the area for mold.
7. Start the Drying Process
If the humidity level is low enough, open the windows in the affected rooms. Depending on the humidity level outside and how open the windows are, drying out the basement could take a few days or longer. Install box fans in the corners to create cross-ventilation to speed up the process. You could also put in a powerful dehumidifier. It takes at least three days to complete the drying process. You may click here for more information about the process to be addressed immediately.
8. Schedule an Inspection
Sewage can only be removed by professionals. Locate a reputable restoration company or a licensed electrician, plumber, and water damage expert. Set up a time for them to inspect your house. Don’t take any chances; if not addressed, a sewage backup can cause additional damage. Experts have the necessary equipment and training to remove it safely.
