No one wishes to experience a sewage backup, least especially in the basement where things can get a little tight and stuffy, and smells could get trapped forever. If it does happen, fret not, as here is a guideline for you to conduct your own sewage backup cleanup services Fort Worth Area TX.
Sewage Backup in the Basement
- Safety First
If ever you are faced with the nasty issue of a sewage backup in your basement, the first thing you have to do is engage in safety protocols.
The first safety protocol is putting off the electricity in the flooded area or the entire house. Since sewage is mostly fluid, and electricity can be deadly when it comes in contact with fluid, then you understand why the two must not have a meet and greet.
The second safety protocol is to wear protective gear like gloves, face shield, rubber boots, etc. Sewage backup contains pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that can be harmful to the body, thus the protective gear.
The home should also be evacuated until it is cleaned, decontaminated, and restored to proper living conditions.
- Identify the Cause
Just plunging into the actual cleanup is not the right thing to do at first, especially if you notice that the problem is still ongoing albeit much less noticeably. You have to first trace where the problem is coming from.
The most common causes of sewage backups are roots that have grown into drainpipes, old pipes, clogs from grease, or unsuitable items like feminine hygiene products being flushed down the toilets. Once you’ve identified what the problem is, you try to solve it before moving on to the cleaning proper.
For clogs, there are a number of options to explore. Most commercial chemical-based products are not good for cleaning out drains as the chemicals contained therein might be harsh enough to destroy the pipes or the glue holding them. You could explore options like home remedies, or a hose or plunger.
- The Cleaning Proper
Depending on how serious the sewage backup is you will need to use a wet-dry vacuum to remove the excess water in the affected area. Next, use paper towels or disposable rags to remove any more excess water to prevent a mold infestation.
After dealing with the liquid, next is the solid materials. All solids plus all affected items that can’t be remediated should be packed and kept in appropriate garbage bags for disposal.
Next comes the disinfection. Use anti-bacterial products and general disinfectant to clean the area thoroughly. Good news is a good proportion of bleach and water can do the trick also.
It is advisable to repeat the cleaning process more than once in order to achieve a thorough cleaning job. After disinfecting, you can apply deodorizers in the affected area. You should also use fans or dehumidifiers to remove any excess liquid or cleaning solution that might remain in the affected area.
Finally, all items already marked for disposal must be handled and disposed of properly to prevent cross-contamination.
Now that you know these, you might be prepared to handle your own sewage backup cleanup services Fort Worth Area TX. However, if the situation looks like anything more than you can handle, it is best you call a professional immediately.
