A sewage backup that comes into your basement or home can be more than a smelly inconvenience – it can be downright dangerous! The sewage carries harmful contaminants and transmits germs when it invades – and eventually recedes from – your home.

There are definite steps you should take to rid your home of contaminants and germs after a sewage backup comes into your home. Here are a few things you should do:

1. Keep the affected area clear of children, people with compromised immune systems, and pets until the area has been thoroughly disinfected utilizing the steps below.
2. Always wear protective clothing including gloves, eyewear, and footwear when cleaning up after a sewage backup.
3. If any sealed or unsealed food or beverage items have been touched by the sewage water or have been in the vicinity of the sewage water, throw these out immediately. Bag them up in a plastic bag and remove them from your home.
4. It is recommended that you use a strong bleach solution (one-half to three-fourths cup of bleach per gallon of water) to sanitize the area. This includes scrubbing the walls, floor, grates, metal furniture, and any object that came in contact with the sewage water.
5. Items that can be removed from the affected area should be moved outside or to a garage or shed area. These can be disinfected outside the affected area and left to dry.
6. If objects in the affected area are wet, it is important to dry them off completely to avoid the growth of mold.
7. Wash all fabrics that are in the affected area with a detergent and water. Dry them thoroughly in a dryer or hang them outside to dry.
8. Once the entire area has been disinfected, it is important to disinfect all clothing and footwear with a fresh bleach solution.
9. Purchase or rent 1 or 2 dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry the affected area after disinfecting the area.

It is also recommended that you get your plumbing inspected after a sewage leak. Often, a sewage leak is due to factors external to your home and plumbing; however, often factors within the home’s plumbing can add to or complicate the sewage backup.

Plumbwell Services Can Help Prevent a Sewage Backup Before it Starts

Plumbwell Services offers full plumbing services, including drain services, septic services, and specialized plumbing services. Our Plumbing Professionals will come to your home and inspect your drain(s) and lines, and will provide main line cleaning to make sure your drains are clear – to avoid future sewage backups.

Plumbwell Services understands that a sewage backup can result in serious damage to your home. This is why our Plumbing Professionals will thoroughly check that your main line is clear and if it is not, we will clean it to ensure that the line is as clear as possible. This is recommended as a routine service that homeowners should consider – but it is especially recommended after a sewage backup.

Give us a call today to talk to one of our Professionals about our Plumbing Services to help you optimize your main line and drains to avoid a sewage backup in the future.