How to Clean and Restore After a Sewage Backup

Your sewer backed up? Oh no! now what?

Dealing with a sewage backup is never fun. It’s messy, smelly, and potentially dangerous, but don’t worry – with the right steps, you can clean and restore your home safely. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Keep Everyone Safe

1. Get Everyone Out: Move kids, pets, and anyone else away from the affected area.
2. Turn Off Utilities: Shut off electricity and gas in the area to avoid any accidents.
3. Gear Up: Put on rubber gloves, boots, a mask, and eye protection to keep yourself safe from contaminants.

Step 2: Stop the Flow

1. Find the Source: Locate where the backup is coming from and stop it if you can.
2. Call a Plumber: If it’s a major issue, get a professional plumber to fix the problem.

Step 3: Get Rid of Standing Water

1. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum: For minor backups, a wet/dry vacuum can help remove standing water.
2. Pump It Out: For larger amounts of water, you might need to rent or hire a submersible pump.

Step 4: Toss Contaminated Items

1. Get Rid of Porous Stuff: Carpets, padding, upholstered furniture, and other porous materials that soaked up sewage need to go.
2. Clean Hard Surfaces: Items like tile and concrete can be cleaned and disinfected.

Step 5: Clean and Disinfect

1. Initial Scrub: Use hot water and mild detergent to clean the area.
2. Disinfect Everything: Mix one part bleach with ten parts water and disinfect all surfaces. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
3. Air It Out: Open windows and use fans to ventilate the area and help it dry faster.

Step 6: Dry Everything Out

1. Use Dehumidifiers and Fans: These will help remove moisture from the air and surfaces.
2. Keep Checking: Make sure everything is completely dry to avoid mold growth.

Step 7: Prevent Mold

1. Look for Mold: Keep an eye out for mold in the days and weeks after the cleanup.
2. Apply Mold Inhibitors: Use mold inhibitors on walls and floors to prevent mold growth.

Step 8: Restore the Area

1. Replace Damaged Materials: Any drywall or insulation that got wet should be replaced.
2. Repaint and Refinish: Once everything is dry and clean, repaint walls and refinish floors as needed.

Step 9: Avoid Future Backups

1. Regular Maintenance: Keep up with regular maintenance of your plumbing system to prevent future issues.
2. Install Backwater Valves: These can help prevent sewage from backing up into your home.

Step 10: Document Everything

1. Take Photos and Notes: Document the damage for insurance purposes.
2. File a Claim: Contact your insurance company to report the damage and file a claim.

Putting it all together

Cleaning up after a sewage backup is definitely a hassle, but following these steps can make the process easier and safer. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in the pros to ensure everything is handled properly.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (403) 667-8264. Amity Environmental can help!

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