Uncontrolled sewage in your home poses a serious risk. The sewage spills are harmful to you and your family. A sewage spill can be a difficult task to clean. You must do it quickly and carefully to protect your home’s health. If you want to ensure the sewage will be removed effectively and safely, hiring a water mitigation company is best. You can also clean up the spill yourself if it is minor. Here’s an extensive guide on how to do this safely and thoroughly.
Assessing A Situation
Before beginning any cleanup, you should assess the scope and size of a sewage spill. You should call a professional to handle water damage if your spill is large or near electrical sockets or appliances. If it has also caused water damage on walls, floors, and other structures, you may want to hire a company to help. Large spills are dangerous and require specialized cleaning equipment.
Protective Gear
Sewage contains bacteria and pathogens harmful to humans that can make you sick if they contact your skin or inhale contaminated dust particles. While cleaning up the sewage spill, it is important to use protective equipment. Wearing protective gear includes:
Rubber gloves
Waterproof boots
Clothing with sleeves and pants
Goggles
Face masks (preferably a N95 respirator).
By wearing protective gear, you protect yourself from harmful substances, infections, and other health complications.
How To Remove Sewage Water And Sewage
Once the area has been ventilated, remove all water and sewage. To remove the contaminated sewage, you can use a dry/wet vacuum, buckets, and a pump. If the liquid spill is small, you can absorb it with towels or mops. But remember, any materials that you use to clean up the sewage will be considered contaminated.
If there are large spills, it may be necessary to call a water removal company. These professionals will remove the water as quickly as possible, reducing damage to the home.
Disinfecting Affected Area
You should then disinfect the entire area. It is vital to disinfect the affected areas to prevent illness. Sewage contains pathogens that can be harmful. Wash all surfaces with bleach or disinfectant (1 cup bleach for 1 gallon) after they have been in contact with the sewage. Pay attention to walls, floors, baseboards, and nearby furniture.
Use enough disinfectant to kill bacteria and viruses effectively. Let the disinfectant stand for a couple of minutes before wiping. It is important not to combine bleach with other products, as this can produce toxic fumes.
How To Dry The Area Completely
The area must be completely dried after cleaning and disinfecting to avoid mold growth. Open windows, run fans and use dehumidifiers. This will help to dry out the space as quickly as you can. You may need to call a professional moisture mitigation company for large spills or those that have soaked into walls and floors.
Mold can grow 24 to 48 hours after a leak, so it’s important to act fast. A water mitigation firm will use specialized tools to remove excess humidity from the air.
Monitor For Molds & Odors
Continue to monitor affected areas for signs or lingering scents after cleaning. Mold may develop in places that are difficult to see, such as under the floor or behind walls. If you smell a musty aroma or notice signs of a mold infestation, contact a professional service to help assess the problem.
How To Know When To Contact A Professional Water Mitigation Company
Even though minor sewage leaks can be managed by DIY efforts, bigger spills and those with extensive water damage require the services of a professional water remediation company. These experts have all the tools, know-how, and experience necessary to remove the sewage, disinfect affected surfaces, and prevent future damage such as mold growth.
A mitigation company can also assess and repair the structural damage caused by a sewage overflow. This saves you time and ensures the safety of the family.
Conclusion
It is dangerous to attempt to clean up a sewage spill in your home. You can safely clean up small spills if you act quickly, use the right protection gear, and follow the steps above. When dealing with larger spills and situations involving extensive water damage, it’s best to consult a professional. They will ensure that the cleanup is done properly, safely, and without putting your health or home at risk.