how do you clean up after sewer backup

How to Clean Up from Sewer Backup

1. Contact utility companies to turn services such as gas and electric off. This is necessary when the sewage backup occurs in the basement ...
2. Remove any water from the sewage backup using a wet/dry vacuum. If the level of water is significant, use a pump to remove it. Sort any ...
3. Spray down the area with fresh water from a garden hose if sludge from the sewer backup remains on the walls. Remove the water again if ...
4. Clean floors with a mop, bucket and the disinfectant cleaning solution. Change water continuously throughout the cleaning process. After ...

Full Answer

How to clean your basement after a sewage backup?

• Evacuate children, seniors, and pets and do not allow them in the affected area until it is restored to a safe condition;
• Contact the utility companies that service your area and have them shut off the electricity, gas, and water supply to your home. ...
• Open windows to ventilate the area;
• Take any dry, uncontaminated items away;

More items...

What to do after a sewage backup?

• Wear rubber boots, safety glasses and a face mask.
• Be sure you aren’t coming into contact with anything metallic that could conduct electricity.
• Wear rubber gloves or use a wooden stick to shut off the electricity.

How to protect yourself from sewer backup?

This should include:

• Wet-vacuuming or removal of spillage
• Mopping floors and wiping walls with soap and disinfectant
• Flushing out and disinfecting plumbing fixtures
• Steam cleaning or removing wet carpets or drapes
• Repairing or removing damaged wallboard or wall covering
• Cleanup of ductwork

Can I Clean my carpets after a sewer backup?

Use a wet vacuum to remove the sewer water from the carpet. If the carpet has soaked up much water, you may also find used old towels helpful. Lift the edge of the carpet and dry up both of its sides. Generously apply/spray carpet disinfectant in the affected area. Spray both sides of the carpet if possible.

How do I clean the floor after sewer backup?

Cleaning and SanitizingDrain all flood waters and/or sewage by natural draining or pumping.Remove dirt, soil and debris from surfaces that came in contact with flood waters.Wash down all walls, floors and surfaces that the flood water or sewage touched with clean, warm or hot water and a low suds detergent.More items...

What can I use to clean my basement floor after sewer backup?

Sewage backups often leave behind sludge and debris that should never be cleared by hand. Instead, use a shovel to get it off the floor and into heavy-duty plastic bags. Dispose of the contaminated material right away. If a surface has been in contact with sewage water, it has to be sanitized.

Can you get sick from sewage backup?

Sewage backup lets off air-borne contaminants along with the physical contaminants. Inhaling the vapors emitted by raw sewage can lead to gastroenteritis, which is commonly associated with fever, vomiting, cramping, and potentially death if left untreated.

How do I clean my shower after sewer backup?

Clean the Walls - Properly wash any walls, floors, and other surfaces that the sewage water may have touched. Use a low-suds detergent and clean hot water. Use Warm Water - Rinse these surfaces with warm water after cleaning. Do Sanitization - Sanitize all surfaces with a sanitizing solution.

How do you disinfect a sewage spill?

Keep in mind that frozen and / or thawed sewage may still contain active, harmful bacteria, cysts and viruses. When the area is visibly clean, either a mixed chlorine water solution (using Clorox or an equal bleach) or hydrated lime should be spread across the spill area to disinfect.

How do you disinfect carpet after sewer backup?

Generously apply/spray carpet disinfectant in the affected area. Spray both sides of the carpet if possible. You can use a scrub to thoroughly remove the dirt and bacteria. Repeat multiple times if necessary.

Is sewer backup smell harmful?

The principal risks and effects associated with exposure are: Hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide causes irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. Other symptoms include nervousness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and drowsiness.

How long does sewage contamination last?

After a sewage spill, it usually takes from 48 to 72 hours for a water body to return to a safe condition. Sometimes it can take a week or more. A number of factors will determine when a contaminated water body will return back to a safe condition.

How long can you be exposed to sewer gas?

Per OSHA guidelines, the acceptable 10-minute exposure limit of H2S is 10 parts per million (ppm). Exposure to 100+ ppm of H2S is considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH). To protect against exposure to this toxic gas, property owners should: Test the air for hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations.

How do you get rid of sewer smell in soil?

2:394:19How To Detect and Clean up sewage in a crawl space - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's really bad you might want to consider just getting a water hose and deflating the crawlMoreIf it's really bad you might want to consider just getting a water hose and deflating the crawl space or the affected area and all that's gonna do is help me neutral.

How do you get rid of sewer smell in basement?

Simply pour a few gallons of water to re-establish the proper water barrier. You can add a small amount of vinegar to help remove any persistent odors. If you don't use basement toilets often, the water from the P-trap can evaporate just like with floor drains.

What happens if you get sewage backup?

Sickness: If the sewage backup enters your body through an open wound or your mouth, you can become ill with diseases like E. coli, hepatitis A, and encephalitis.

What is the best disinfectant for sewage backup?

Look for chemical disinfectants with 1 percent quaternary ammonium compound. Two popular options are Jasol Green Pine and Accent. Just make sure to adhere to the vendor’s instructions.

What is the lifespan of a PVC sewer line?

While all of these materials are durable, they do not last forever. Clay and Orangeburg have a lifespan of 30 to 60 years, while PVC pipes can last for a century. Pipes can also crack unexpectedly, leading to a host of problems include a sewage backup.

How long does it take for mold to grow in a backup?

Mold growth: All that dirty material and water can result in a mold outbreak. What’s worse is that the outbreak can occur within 24 hours of the backup.

What to do when disinfecting?

When disinfecting, make sure every area is properly sanitized and cleaned to prevent your household members from contracting a disease. Also, make sure to get textiles properly cleaned. Upholstered furniture or carpet may have to go. However, you may be able to save things like clothing and draperies. Just make sure to clean them according to the instructions on their respective tags.

Is sewage backup bad for Utah?

One of the most unpleasant sights for Utah homeowners is the backup of a drain or a toilet. Besides the bad odor, sewage backup can pose significant risks to your health and your property – plus your business if you operate from a home office. So, when it happens, you must act fast and clean up as quickly as possible. Efficient cleaning starts with understanding the reasons behind sewage backup, so let’s start from there.

Can plastic drains cause sewage backup?

However, putting plastic and solid debris down the toilet can result in a clog and eventually cause sewage backup.

What to do if there is sewage backup in my home?

Notify your insurance company that there has been a sewage backup in your home and make sure you take several pictures of the spill, as well as the water damaged items and structural materials before the clean up begins (you will need them as proof for your insurance claim).

What is sewer backup?

Sewer backup is a troublesome incident that causes a lot of hassle and disruption to daily life – it may not be as destructive as a fire or a tornado, but it presents a variety of health hazards and sanitation issues and may result in considerable property damage and serious personal injury. Therefore, sewage backup has to be dealt with quickly ...

What to do if a septic tank is backed up?

Septic specialists – If the spill is caused by a backed-up septic tank, you’ll need a septic specialist ( the same company that regularly empties the tank or a plumber that provides emergency drain cleaning services) to fix the tank and prevent future sewage backups in your home. Your septic tank may just need to be pumped and cleaned, or it may need a new pipe or total replacement. Pumping out a septic tank costs about $250, but tank repairs can range from $150 (to replace a pipe) to $5,000 (to replace the entire tank);

What to do if there is a sewage spill in your house?

Therefore, sewage backup has to be dealt with quickly and efficiently – in the event of a sewage spill in your home, you need to evacuate everyone, turn off the power and water supply to the building, and call a plumber and a cleanup specialist to fix the problem. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may be able to take some steps ...

Why does my septic tank spill water?

The spill is caused by a sewer or septic tank backup ; There’s any possibility that sewage water may have come in contact with your home’s air-conditioning system (in this case, professional duct cleaning will be required to ensure the good air quality in your home);

How much does it cost to clean up a sewage spill?

Depending on how big the sewage spill is (and how severe the damage), sewage cleanup services can cost between $2,000 and $10,000.

What is the job of a bathroom sewage cleaner?

Clean and sanitize the area (and decontaminate the entire home, if necessary); Bathroom Sewage Cleanup. Ventilate and dry the area with the help of professional dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, and/or grade air movers; Perform water damage restoration throughout the home, including any necessary repair works;

What to do if sewage floods basement?

If flood waters or sewage fill your basement, you must clean properly to prevent you and your family from becoming sick or injured. Do not bring children into the flooded area during dean-up! If you experiencea sewer backup , it is recommended that a professionally trained restoration firm be utilized. If it is a small event and you prefer to do the work yourself, the following are suggestions on how to clean up a flood or sewage problem.

What is the job of a flood cleanup crew?

Remove dirt, soil and debris from surfaces that came in contact with flood waters.

What is the greatest danger of a flooded basement?

The greatest danger is not the risk of disease, but the risk of electrocution or explosion. Do not enter a flooded basement or light matches until the utility companies have shut off the gas and electric service.

What to do if sewage backs up?

If your sewage has backed up into your home, the first thing you should do is remove any pets, children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals from the house. They should not return to the home until the sewage is properly cleaned up.

How to drain backed up water?

Drain the backed-up sewage and water using a pump or natural drain. You will likely need to contact your local authorities to be sure you’re draining the sewage into the proper place.

What is the phone number for emergency plumbing?

With “Emergency” in our name, you can trust that we deliver when it matters most. Call us right away at (808) 691-9309.

How to deal with sewage backup?

Turn off Utilities if Necessary. Before you even start to deal with the deal with the sewage backup, you should turn off most utilities. For example, you should have the gas and electric turned off by contacting the utility company. You’ll need to do this if the backup happened in your basement or near any appliances or electrical outlets.

What causes sewage backup?

Sewage backups are commonly caused by burst pipes, clogs, and sometimes tree roots growing into the pipes. Whether it was an accident or not, a sewer backup and it’s spillage can be difficult to deal with. Dealing with a sewage backup is one of the most hazardous and foul incidents a homeowner can face. Learn how to handle it properly ...

How to get rid of sewage on walls?

To get rid of this, you can get a garden hose and start spraying the contaminated area . You may need your vacuum or pump again to get rid of the water from this.

How to get rid of bacteria in sewage?

To make sure you don’t have to do extra work, start in the back of the area and make your way closest to the exit. Make sure that you try and clean the mess as soon as possible .

Why is it important to take precautions when handling sewage spills?

It’s important to take precautions when handling the situation because you could possibly contract Hepatitis A.

What to do if water levels are too high?

However, if the water levels are too high, you will need a pump to make sure you can get it all out. Once you’ve removed the water, you should try and move out anything that is in your way. For example, this could be furniture, clothes, toys, boxes — anything movable that was affected.

What can you do with a pile of trash?

One pile can be for things that you will be able to salvage, and the other pile can be for things that should be thrown out. Throw out the contaminated items in a trash bag and clear it from the area.

How to clean sewage backup?

After you finish cleaning, kill bacteria on all walls and floors with a scrub brush dipped in a solution of 1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon water . Open all windows in the area of sewage backup. This will help the room to dry and air out. Set up a fan and dehumidifier to assist in drying.

How to clean sewer backup from walls?

Remove the water again if necessary using the wet/dry vacuum or pump. Clean solids off the floor using a broom and dustpan. Fill one bucket with water and a disinfectant cleaning solution according to label instructions.

Why is it important to clean a house after a sewage backup?

Cleaning a house thoroughly after a sewage backup is important to the health of your family. Sewage backup in the home is a health hazard. A backup can happen when the septic system overflows or when there is a clog in the city sewer lines, broken pipes or any one of a number of other causes.

How to clean a soiled drywall?

Fill one bucket with water and a disinfectant cleaning solution according to label instructions. Fill the second bucket with clear water. Wash down walls with rags and the cleaning solution. Rinse walls thoroughly with fresh water. Start in the farthest area from the door and work your way back.

How to clean a house after a fire?

Take a hot shower after the cleanup is complete and wash all parts of your body thoroughly using antibacterial soap. Use a nailbrush on your fingers to make sure they are clean. Do not eat, smoke or drink until you do this to prevent spreading bacteria or viruses. Contact utility companies after the cleaning is complete to inspect appliances to make sure they are safe before restoring gas and electrical power to the house.

What are the health hazards of raw sewage?

Raw sewage presents a number of problems including, most importantly, health hazards. These hazards include viruses, bacteria and parasites. When cleaning, work on one area at a time so the procedure goes smoothly. Advertisement.

How to prevent sewer backup?

How to Prevent Sewage Backup. Regularly inspect the pipes and valves on your property and keep them in good repair; Do not allow large amounts of harsh chemicals into the sewer system; Avoid disposing of grease down the kitchen drain as it can harden within the plumbing and collect debris to create a clog;

How to clean up sewage?

Hose down the area with clean water and wash all affected surfaces with a household detergent solution to remove any remaining sewage contamination and dirt;

How to prevent cross contamination?

Take appropriate measures to prevent cross-contamination (keep the doors between the contaminated area and the other rooms in your home closed, do not use the central air conditioning system until the problem has been solved, keep air pressure in the contaminated area lower than in the rest of the building, etc.) to ensure that sewage contaminated soil won’t be tracked into unaffected areas of your property and airborne sewage-contaminated dust (or mold spores) won’t be blown to other spaces.

What to do if water damage is a problem?

Call a professional water damage restoration company. The quick and efficient intervention of the experienced technicians will save you a lot of time and effort and will provide the most appropriate, safest, and cost-effective solution to the problem. Besides, most sewage cleanup companies offer not only water extraction, but also quality repair works, odor removal, and content cleanup, so you will have all the aspects of the restoration process taken care of when using professional sewage cleanup services.

What to do if there is a sewage spill in my home?

Notify your insurance company that there has been a sewage spill in your home; Contact your municipal authority or sewage department (if your home is connected to a public sewer) or your local health department ( if your home is connected to a private septic system) and ask for advice; Call a professional water damage restoration company.

What is sewage backup?

A sewage backup is one of the most troublesome and foul incidents that can occur in a home – it can cause extensive property damage and severe health problems and, on top of that, it is extremely difficult and unpleasant to deal with. Cleaning up sewer backup requires a lot of time and effort, as well as specialized disinfecting products ...

What do the pros use to clean water?

The pros will use specialized cleaning products, advanced equipment, and proven techniques to remove water from your home and restore it to a safe and good condition. Their quality services include: Removing sewage water and solid waste in a safe and appropriate manner; Removing contaminated content;

What to do before cleaning sewer?

Before proceeding with the actual cleanup, you need to prioritize your safety. Make sure to be aware of electrical or gas that may have been exposed to the sewer water. If this has happened consider consulting with an electrical contractor or a gas contractor before cleaning or relighting appliances.

What is sewer backup?

A sewer backup is no doubt one of the worst experiences any homeowner can go through. It poses potential damage to your home’s foundation. It also opens the doors to different kinds of health hazards. Sewer backups can bring all sorts of illnesses from bacterial to viral to parasitical. Unfortunately, sewer backups happen when you least expect them.

What is backwater prevention valve?

Lastly, you can also invest in a backwater prevention valve. This is a fixture that you install into your sewer line. It helps direct sewage away from your property and keeps it from coming back in.

What is the old adage about sewer backup?

The old adage “prevention is better than cure” also applies in dealing with sewer backup. Here are some valuable tips that will help prevent backups.

How to clean a sanded sandbox?

Prepare a bucket of water and mix some cleaning solution for disinfection. Prepare another bucket with clear water only. Get some rags and start washing down the area using your cleaning mixture. Use the water from the second bucket to rinse the area .

How to dispose of soaked items?

Make sure to discard soaked items like cosmetics, carpeting, and books. Put them inside a trash bag and take them out accordingly.

How to get water out of a vacuum?

Remove the Water. Get a wet/dry vacuum and start removing any water in the area make sure to remove the dry filter inside the vacuum. Check the level of water and determine if it is too much for the vacuum. If so, use a pump to suck out the water.

I Have A Sewage Backup – Now What?

How to Clean Your Home After A Sewage Backup

• To clean and disinfect the area: 1. Drain the backed-up sewage and water using a pump or natural drain. You will likely need to contact your local authorities to be sure you’re draining the sewage into the proper place. 2. Remove any items that have been in contact with the sewage. Clean and disinfect these items using bleach or a similar cleaning ...

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