Cleaning Up Basement Sewage Backup: A Practical Guide
Septic tanks are disgusting. To protect your family, you should quickly get rid of any sewage found in your basement. A professional can restore your home in as little as a few days, or you can do it yourself. These steps will help you remove a sewage backup in your basement.
How To Clean A Basement Sewage Backup
It is possible to have unpleasant consequences from sewer backup cleanup. Sewer backup cleanup can be more than just a mess. It can also pose serious health risks. These steps will assist you in cleaning up a basement sewage backup.
- Take care of your children and pets: If you have children, keep your pets and children out of raw sewage backups. This will help prevent them from becoming sick. An adult should supervise toddlers and young children. Keep pets clean and in a cage, pen or kennel.
- Safety equipment is essential : Anyone who works with raw sewage should wear safety equipment. You want to preserve as much skin as you can when cleaning up a sewer backup. For cleanup, you will need rubber boots, waders and long sleeves as well as rubber gloves. You should wear goggles, a ventilator, and a face shield to prevent sewage getting in your nose or mouth. Open wounds must be treated immediately with disinfection and bandage. You should wash your hands, wrists, and neck well.
- Your basement is a disaster: Raw sewage can make it difficult to breathe. Open basement windows and vents to improve air circulation. Fans can be mounted at the top of stairs to draw in fresh air. If ventilation is not possible, you can take breaks. This will ensure that you don’t get any health issues from the smell.
- Get rid of raw sewerage:
Pumps are the best tools to get rid of sewage backups. Pumps can quickly remove raw sewage and minimize damage. Many equipment rental companies have pumps. Any solid waste can block the inlet and cause slow cleanup. A dry-wet vacuum can remove sewage backups. A shop vacuum can collect sewage quickly, but the problem lies in the size of the tank. It may be necessary to empty your vacuum many times before it stops leaked.
For sewage cleanup, a mop or bucket is a good option. They can take quite a while. You should not use this for an emergency, or to wait for a restoration company. You can use a mop or a strainer to collect the sewage. Keep going until all the sewage is gone. You should never pour any sewage down the sink, no matter how you handle it. You have two options: bag it or take it outside. You can use your garden hose to dispose of solid waste and sewage. - Recycle the damaged materials : It is difficult to clean up after a sewage backup. You should dispose of any items that may have been contaminated by sewage to protect yourself. Throw it out if you are unsure. After a basement sewer backup, it is nearly impossible to clean padding and carpeting. The same goes for fabric furniture. While it’s difficult to clean furniture’s exteriors, it’s much easier to clean their interiors. Place small items in heavy-duty bags. Next, cut the carpet into smaller pieces. Roll it up. Move furniture and cabinets to a tree lawn for pickup.
- Clean your basement with soap: After removing damaged items, you can clean your basement. Use mild soap to clean your basement. You can wash anything that has been in direct contact with sewage. Non-carpeted floors can be cleaned with a mop. Use a sponge or a towel to clean any other surfaces. Make a new batch of soap, and then dump it out once the soap has stopped making suds.
- Your basement should be dried : Clean out your basement to prevent mold growth. While house fans are efficient at drying your basement, they can be inefficient. You can instead use high-velocity fans and structural drying dehumidifiers. These fans are fast and easy to use and dry your home quickly. Most equipment rental companies will rent dehumidifiers or fans. You can use one humidifier and two fans for small basements. For drying larger basements, you will need more equipment. You can speed up drying by checking the fans at least once an hour and moving them as needed. Most homes can dry in between 12 and 24 hours. Your home will take longer to dry due to the higher likelihood of mold growth and other unpleasant odors.
- Clean your basement : You must disinfect your basement after drying it. To clean up sewage, mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup bleach. Spray bottles are ideal for spraying large surfaces or walls. Let the bleach dry, then spray again until the mold and bacteria are gone.
- If necessary, rebuild: Finally, your home can be rebuilt. The cost of renovations will vary depending on the extent and size of the sewage. However, they usually include new carpeting and replacement of cabinets and appliances as well as repair of any damaged walls.
How can you avoid the health risks of cleaning up a sewer backup?
A basement sewer backup can pose many health hazards. The accumulation of waste in your basement can lead to infections, including viruses, bacteria, and other illnesses that can be serious. It is important to take extra care when cleaning up sewage-contaminated waste from your home.
What safety equipment do you need for sewage backup cleanup?
- Rubber Boots and Waders: Wear rubber boots at least to your knees. If possible, rubber waders should cover the chest.
- Pants – To protect against sewage, wear pants.
- Long Sleeves – Wear thick, water-resistant sleeves that fully cover your upper body.
- Rubber gloves long – Protect your wrists with rubber gloves. Wear them over your long-sleeve shirt to prevent sewage reaching your skin.
- Goggles or safety glasses? Goggles or safety glasses?
- Ventilator – Wear a ventilator to cover your nose and mouth. Avoid ventilators made from cheap fabrics. Look for one with a solid exterior.
- Face Shield – Although it’s optional, you can wear a face shield to protect your face against sewage.
Is it safe to clean up raw sewage on your own?
You can clean up a basement sewer backup but you should always wear the proper safety gear. It is important to work in an area with good ventilation and that you take frequent breaks. Use dehumidifiers and household fans sparingly. Instead, use high-velocity airmovers or structural drying humidifiers. You will have to clean up after the mold and bacteria grow. Any substance contaminated by sewage should be thrown out. Even if you clean the sewage, it is almost impossible to kill all the organisms within. Raw sewage should be cleaned up safely and properly. If you are unable or unwilling to clean up the sewage for several hours or days, it is best to call a professional restoration company .
Clean Up Your Sewage Backup Now
911 Restoration of Iredell County can assist you if your sewage backup is too big or you don’t have the proper equipment. Call us to schedule a free inspection of sewage backup cleaning services.
