How to Minimize Sewage Damage Before Help Arrives

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

A sewer backup in the home can be considered an emergency if the contaminated water has the chance to spread out onto your belongings or soak into the flooring or carpet. This type of water likely contains various bacteria and viruses that can pose a danger to you and your family members if ingested or touched. There are some things you can do to minimize damages before calling a professional sewer cleanup and remediation crew to fully decontaminate the area and make it safe for you to use again.

Cleanup Process

Protective Clothing: Put on protective clothing including rubber gloves, boots, and eye-wear before attempting any sewer cleanup.

Turn Off Electricity: If the electricity distribution panel is nearby and above water, shut it off using a dry wooden stick.

Turn Off Water: Do not use water in the home, and to ensure no one accidentally turns a faucet on, it might be good to turn the water off to the whole house.

Turn Off Air Conditioning: This is to make sure no contaminated dust can circulate around the house and contaminate the whole HVAC system.
Remove Clean Items: Take all uncontaminated items away from the area.

Add Bleach to Standing Water: Feel free to add bleach to any standing water to decrease the level of contamination.

Call for Advice: If your home uses the public sewer, call the sewage department for advice, or the local health department if you have a septic system.

Call Insurance: Let your insurance company know what has happened immediately if you intend on filing a claim to cover repairs.

Call a Professional Restoration Company: Working with the professionals can help give you peace of mind that the sewer cleanup job is thorough, while saving you time and effort. The professionals can also repair structural damage, clean all of your contaminated belongings, and remove any lingering odors.

Sewer backups can result from clogged plumbing in the home, municipal issues, local flooding events, or even a flooded toilet. It’s always recommended in Josephine and Jackson Counties to play it safe when it comes to sewage messes and take extra precautions for your health by wearing protective gear, and/or working with a water damage restoration company such as SERVPRO of Grants Pass/Central Point to put your home back to normal.