The sight of a sewage backup is never pretty and flooding resulting from sewage backups can cause extensive damage to a property. Sewage contains contaminants like bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses, making the sewage backup cleaning a health risk as well.
Not only is the restoration job dangerous, but moisture may hide behind walls and further problems like mould growth can follow. Calling a professional restoration company is the best way to deal with a sewage flood in a basement. Yet, here’s what property owners can do to mitigate the damage in their basement before the restoration team arrives:
The flooded area should be evacuated. Sewage contaminants are hazardous to pets as well.
The electrical power in the flooded area should be turned off. Electrical wires or appliances might come in contact with standing water or wet materials.
Caution should be exercised when attempting to turn off the main circuit breaker if it’s in the basement. Electrical devices that were touched by water can be dangerous.
Those who plan to walk through sewage water should wear protective clothing like a facemask, eyeglasses, gloves, and rubber boots.
The insurance company must be notified about the sewage backup. This type of flooding is not covered by standard homeowners insurance, unless extra endorsements for sewers and drains are purchased.
Also to be notified is the municipal authority or sewer department if the property is connected to a public sewer.
The water supply system in the property should not be used (e.g. flushing toilets or drain tubs and sinks) until the backup problem is fixed.
Windows and doors should be opened to let fresh air in and ventilate the area.
Chlorine bleach can be added to the standing water to disinfect it a little.
As basements are the most flood-prone areas in a home, here’s how to keep water out of the basement and how to choose a sump pump. The PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mould damage.