Sewage backup is everyone’s biggest nightmare. And though none of us like to think about it, it’s important to understand how to clean sewage backup should it occur.
If not treated properly, sewage backup can have a detrimental effect on your property and those who live in it. Read this article to learn how to clean sewage backup effectively.
Precautionary measures
Depending on the severity of the incident, you could either tackle the problem yourself or contact a professional. In either case, there are a few precautionary measures you should take.
- Evacuate children, seniors and pets. They should not return until the area has been restored to a safe condition.
- Shut off your electricity, gas and water supplies. If the spill is significant and is preventing you from shutting off any of your utilities, call your utility suppliers instead and ask them to do it.
- Open as many windows as you can to ventilate the area.
- Remove dry, uncontaminated items from the area.
- Notify your insurance company of the sewage backup. Take pictures of the spill and any damaged items for insurance purposes before you start cleaning up.
- Don’t go straight to the source — the sewage water must be removed before addressing the cause of the spill
Cleaning the backup
Only attempt to clean the sewage backup if it is a minor spill or confined to just one area of your home. You must call a professional if the spill is much more significant and affects multiple areas of your home.
- Put on protective gear such as rubber gloves, boots and protective eyewear. Try to avoid getting any wastewater on your bare skin.
- Compartmentalise the spill by closing all the doors of the contaminated area.
- Use a pump or vacuum to remove the sewage water.
- Brush or shovel all the debris into plastic bags and dispose of them immediately.
- Remove as many items as you can from the affected area and place them on a hard floor that can be easily sanitised. Anything that has been soaked by the contaminated water must be disposed of.
- Wash down the walls and floors of the affected areas with hot water and disinfectant.
- Remove the excess water and leave the area to dry.
- Clean any affected clothes with chlorine bleach. Any affected furniture should be cleaned by a professional.
When to get professional help
If the spill is more significant and has spread to multiple areas of your home, you’ll need professional intervention. You should also seek support from a professional if you or a family member have health concerns that may be aggravated by the backup. Never try to treat a spillage if it occurred more than 24 hours ago, as harmful bacteria will have already spread.
Wildon UK offers a 24/7 call-out service for emergency sewage-pump repairs and similar sewage issues. Day or night, we’ll ensure that a sewage backup is fixed and cleaned fast. As sewage pump specialists for the UK, we have the experience, knowledge and determination to help. Just give us a call and we’ll be there.
We offer a range of wastewater services, including tankered liquid waste removal, culvert cleaning and more. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.
