Crawl spaces tend to be small, damp, and difficult to access. So, what happens when a sewage spill occurs? Whether it is from a sewage backup or a leaky plumbing pipe, cleaning the spills can become a DIY challenge. If you are looking for crawl space sewage cleanup guidance, here is what experts advise.
How Do I Clean Sewer Backup in A Crawl Space?
On average, the most common reason for a crawl space sewage cleanup can occur when backups happen or a drainpipe leaks. Sewage backups start from clogged drains and back up in the crawl space. A drainpipe’s leaks and breaks are less likely but can occur when the proper sewage flow is disrupted.
Is Sewage in A Crawl Space Dangerous?
Sewage is classified as wastewater when it is in the process of leaving a home or business’s plumbing system. When you experience a sewage backup from plumbing issues, it contains harmful bacteria. Your family or customers may also be exposed to harmful odors, mold, and bacteria that stick to building material. When it drains into crawl spaces, the bacteria become airborne and causes structural damage.
How Do I Perform Sewage Cleanup in a Crawl Space?
The first thing you must do to perform sewage cleanup in a crawl space is to wear PPE to avoid contact and bacteria exposure. Next, you’ll need to remove the standing sewage by pumping it out with the appropriate equipment such as a commercial-grade shop vac or professional vacuum. You will also need something to help scrap any remaining solid sewage materials off the room’s floor and infrastructure.
Next, you will need to properly dispose of the sewage, damaged building materials, and any storage items in it. You are required to use liquid waste trash bags and dispose of them appropriately. Before cleaning the crawl space, you should first dry the area with the use of dehumidifiers or fans. Without a thorough drying, a crawl space is more prone to mold, which will then require mold remediation service.
The next step in the sewage cleanup process is to remove dirt and debris. Cleaning the area thoroughly will ensure it is ready to disinfect. This process will kill contaminants, bacteria, and mold spores. The CDC advises DIYers to use one cup of bleach to a gallon of water, but our experts highly recommend using a commercial sewage cleanup service to reduce the likelihood that any contaminants are remaining.
The final step in the sewage cleanup process is to use a deodorizer to remove odors. DIYers can use something like baking soda on surface areas to reduce the smells, however, it may return later. DIYers should also replace any building materials and make necessary repairs. As damages can vary, we highly suggest allowing our sewage cleanup experts to perform these steps to ensure it is done accurately.
To find out how we can help you with sewage cleanup, please call our office at 1-800-847-0114. You can also visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RestorePro911/ to schedule appointments.
