Sewage backup is not a pleasant experience nor a visually appealing sight. Furthermore, the risk of getting ill or growing mold gradually rises after the first hour after the backup, so you’ll have to act quickly.
While you may be able to sort out smaller spillages yourself, it is strongly advisable to call your local sewage removal experts to handle the problem. They will help you minimize the damage to your home in San Diego and help you with the disinfection process necessary after sewage removal.
If you missed the first indications of a sewage backup and now you are facing the consequences, there are few things you can do by yourself before the experts come. Keep reading to learn more.
What can I use to clean up sewage?
You are surely aware that sewage spillage is hazardous and it is best to immediately call professionals. However, if you decide to clean some of it yourself, here are some things you should think about:
- Wear protective clothing.
- Wear heavy rubber gloves over disposable gloves.
- Wear rubber waterproof boots.
- Wear protective glasses for eye protection.
- Wear a face mask or some kind of respiratory protection.
Keep your hands away from your face (nose, mouth, eyes) until you are completely done with the cleaning and disinfection of everything, including yourself.
You’ll also need:
- A water pump or wet-dry vacuum.
- Sponge.
- Shovel.
- Paper towels or rags.
- Chlorine bleach (or other bactericidal disinfectant).
- Detergent (non – ammonia).
- Antibacterial soap.
What is the best way to clean up sewage?
Sterilizing areas affected with sewage backup should definitely definitely be one of your priorities,since it can cause a variety of health issues. If you estimate that you can tackle the sanitizing part by yourself, here are some tips:
- Remove liquid and solids
The first step, after you put on your protective clothing, is to remove any excessive liquid/water with a pump or wet-dry vacuum. Use a shovel to collect any dirt, debris and solid parts, put them in strong plastic bags, and throw them away immediately. Collect the remaining liquids with paper towels or rags.
- Remove anything contaminated
Rugs, curtains, furniture, appliances, or personal items should be removed from an area that can be disinfected afterwards, so they could be properly cleaned and restored if possible. Baseboards, insulation, wall panels or things like saturated carpeting must be moved to an appropriate disposal place.
- Wash and disinfect
Use chlorine bleach mixed with water (8 tablespoons of bleach in a gallon of water – you can put a little of non-ammonia detergent, too) and apply it to all the walls and floors. Leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse with clear water and scrub thoroughly. Take special care to scrub the floors, change the rinsing water several times, and rinse the mop under running water each time.
Clean the furniture using antibacterial soap and rinse well. Scrub and rinse well everything that is slightly affected (rugs, upholstered furniture…). Move all clothing outdoors in order to clean them thoroughly and dry them in the fresh air.
- Dry everything
Open the windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to dry up the space as quickly as possible. Within 24 to 48 hours after the incident, the infected area should be completely dry so as to reduce risk of mold development.
- Double check items and food
All porous materials, such as mattresses, carpets, curtains, stuffed animals or newspapers, and books that have been in direct contact with the sewage water should be thrown away. The same goes for any type of food that is not canned properly. Keep in mind that sewage water is dangerous in the air as well.
- Look for mold
Examine the area and carefully check for mold. Do everything you can to prevent mold growth which can spread to other parts of your home.
Where to find the best San Diego sewage removal company near me?
Why not take a nice walk at Balboa Park instead of collecting sewage water in your home? Ensure your peace of mind by hiring professionals in sewage removal, fully equipped to sort things out in the shortest amount of time possible.
Risk Free Serv is one of the leading sewage removal companies in San Diego and the area. In addition, we also provide expert remediation and restoration services. We respond to any type of emergency, so give us a call and our technicians will show up at your place in no time. Reach out to us now!