A sewage backup is a devastating incident that can cause a lot of disruption and more than a single gag. Though it may not have the destructive potential of a storm or a fire, it can certainly present a lot of health risks and property damage.

In most cases, a sewage backup will require everyone to evacuate the home, shut the power off, and contact a plumber and or a sewage restoration specialist. However, for a particularly minor backup, you may be able to handle the issue. Keep in mind, though, that cleaning up sewage is both dangerous and difficult, so it should only ever be attempted if the spill is extremely small and limited in scope.

How To Clean Up After a Sewage Backup

If you have a small sewage backup and are confident in your ability to clean it, here are the steps to take. Otherwise, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals!

1. Wear PPE: Because raw sewage can house a wide range of dangerous pathogens and chemicals, it is crucial to only undertake a clean-up with the proper personal protective equipment. This includes rubber gloves and boots, heavy coveralls, face masks, and protective eyewear.
2. Isolate the affected area. It is important to keep the doors closed between affected areas and other areas of your home to prevent contamination. Sewage can easily be tracked around, and affected dust can be spread.
3. Remove sewage water. Using a pump or a wet/dry vacuum, remove any sewage water. Follow this up by shoveling dirt and debris into plastic bags and disposing of them immediately.
4. Remove affected items and place them in a safe location. Ensure that the storage area can be easily cleaned and sanitized after the items are dealt with and can be safely left until the problem is solved. Anything that has been soaked with sewage water should be immediately disposed of.
5. Remove saturated flooring, wall panels, baseboards, insulation, and other materials. These will need to be safely disposed of.
6. Clean all surfaces in the affected area. Use appropriate disinfectant cleaners and hot water to start with, and follow up with a thorough cleaning using a detergent cleaner. For floors, a cleaning solution of one part chlorine bleach and four parts water before rinsing thoroughly is good.
7. Let everything dry out and clean or dispose of affected items. Open up the windows or run dehumidifiers to let everything dry out as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that to prevent mold growth, surfaces should never remain wet for longer than 24 to 48 hours. Next, items that can be thoroughly sanitized and cleaned should be as quickly as possible, and any others should be safely discarded.

Final Thoughts

Sewage spills are extremely dangerous and must be cleaned with the utmost care to prevent harm to yourself and others. In most cases, this should be left to the professionals with the tools and training to handle these kinds of hazards and both clean and restore your home to its former condition in little time.

Contact Us

For professional sewage clean-up, contact the professionals at Restore Pro. Our restoration professionals have 25 years of experience with water, mold, and fire restoration services. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and connect with us on Facebook.