Think about the things that are flushed or disposed of via your kitchen sink, dishwasher or washing machine daily. Now think about a smelly, stagnant pool of these materials swirling in your basement. Not a pretty picture, right? Right. Unfortunately, finding sewage in a basement is an all too common occurrence.
A sewage backup in a basement is one of the most panic-inducing situations a homeowner may face. If you’ve discovered sewage in your basement, you need professional help, immediately.
No matter how overwhelmed you may be feeling, try to stay calm and – before you do anything else – follow these instructions:
- Call for professional help, immediately.
- If you have a septic tank that is the source of the backup, call your septic tank company’s emergency number.
- If your home operates on public sewage, call a 24/7 plumber.
- After contacting a plumber, call (855) 724-6269 to schedule basement water damage mitigation and remediation from your local Rainbow Restoration.
Raw Sewage in a Basement Can Be Toxic
Sewage consists of wastewater, which is made up of human waste and other debris. Exposure to raw sewage, not just by touch but also by breathing in the surrounding air, leaves you vulnerable to diseases like hepatitis and E. coli. Homeowners should always assume that potential pathogens, bacteria, fungi and viruses are present in sewage contamination
No matter the length of exposure, porous materials affected by sewage should be disposed of due to the inability to clean all areas of saturation. The longer raw sewage remains on your basement floor, the more likely it is to threaten the health of you and your family.
Remediation should begin as soon as possible. Occupants should stay out of the area of contamination and anyone that is immunocompromised should leave the premises until the remediation is complete
Raw Sewage Remediation Begins with a Professional Plumber
Don't try to fix a sewage backup yourself.
Depending on what is causing the problem, tampering with the pipes or sewage lines could make it worse or affect the sewer lines of other houses on your block. Call a professional emergency plumber immediately. Then shut off your water supply and any circuit breakers controlling anything near standing water. Do not attempt to move or clean anything yourself, leave all items for the professionals to handle and remove.
Household Cleaners and Equipment Are Not Made for Sewage
Once the sewage backup in your home is repaired, it’s time for cleaning and restoration. Again, do not engage in any DIY cleaning as it may pose a health risk. Cleaning is part of the restoration process and should completed by your restoration contractor.
A professional restoration company will be able to tell you what is salvageable and what will need to be thrown out. The water and moisture will need to be removed and dried from any surfaces first because dangerous bacteria can begin growing immediately in a sewage-filled environment.
Other factors to keep in mind:
- All carpet that has come into contact with sewage will need to be removed and disposed of.
- Any remaining sewage must be extracted or pumped out of the contaminated area for restoration work to begin.
- Household vacuums and carpet cleaners are just not strong enough to deal with a sewage backup, so do not attempt to clean it yourself.
The sooner cleaning and restoration begins, the sooner you can recover. Don’t waste valuable time, choose Rainbow Restoration.
Choose Rainbow Restoration for Flood, Water Damage, Sewage Cleanup & Remediation
If you’ve discovered a sewage backup in your home, you need Rainbow Restoration. Our IICRC-certified professionals will help you mitigate water damage, remediate flooded basements and can even assist with contents pack-out to save and reclaim your damaged furniture, keepsakes and household possessions.
Don’t wait. Call Rainbow Restoration at (855) 724-6269 for 24/7 emergency service or schedule an appointment online today!