How Long Does Biohazard Cleanup Take?

I needed biohazard cleanup in Bartlett, IL, after a sewer backup flooded my basement. The team from PuroClean of Bartlett arrived, removed unsalvageable materials, and sanitized the area. The cleanup took about 6 to 8 hours, and the process helped reduce the risk of lingering odor and moisture issues.

What Happened in My Basement in Bartlett?

I live in a single-family home in Bartlett, and February in Illinois can bring a lot of unpredictable weather. That winter, we had heavy rain and a steady thaw from the snow. I didn’t think much of it until I went down to my basement and saw water pooling near the furnace and storage shelves.

The water was only about two inches deep, but the smell was immediate. It had soaked into the carpet, cardboard boxes, and a couple of old pieces of furniture I had stored down there. I knew it was not just a normal cleanup job. It was sewage water, and I did not want to touch it or try to clean it myself.

Later, I learned that the sewer line had become clogged, and with the winter thaw, the groundwater level was higher than normal. The backup pushed wastewater into my basement. Once I realized what was happening, I knew I needed professional help right away. In Bartlett, cold weather can make things worse because the basement stays damp longer and the risk of mold increases quickly.

Why I Needed Professional Biohazard Cleanup

Sewage water contains contaminants that can spread and cause health risks. The situation felt urgent because the water was already soaking into materials that could hold moisture and odor. In a basement, it is easy for contaminated water to move under carpet padding and into porous materials.

I also knew that trying to clean it myself could make the situation worse. If I did not contain the area properly, the contamination could spread to other parts of the house. The winter conditions made it harder to ventilate the basement, so I needed someone who could manage the cleanup safely and efficiently.

How the Cleanup Process Was Handled

When the team from PuroClean of Bartlett arrived, they started with an assessment to determine what was affected and what needed to be removed. They explained that biohazard cleanup requires special safety steps, especially when dealing with sewage and potentially infectious materials. They also mentioned OSHA’s standards for handling bloodborne pathogens and other hazards, which made me feel more confident that the work would be done safely.

They began by containing the area to prevent cross-contamination. That meant sealing off the basement from the rest of the house so the wastewater and contaminated materials would not spread. Next, they removed the items that could not be salvaged, like the soaked carpet and cardboard boxes. They also carefully disposed of these materials according to safety regulations.

Once the unsalvageable items were removed, they sanitized the space. They used professional disinfectants and cleaning methods to treat the floors, walls, and any surfaces that came into contact with the sewage water. They also addressed odor control, which was important because the smell had already started to linger even after the water was removed.

Because it was February and the air outside was cold, they had to be careful about ventilation. Opening windows was not an ideal option, so they relied on equipment to help dry the area safely and reduce moisture. The work included removing contaminated materials, sanitizing the space, and preparing it for drying.

How Long Did the Job Take?

The entire cleanup took about 6 to 8 hours. The time included removing contaminated items, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, and setting up the space so it could dry safely. The team explained that winter conditions in Bartlett can slow down drying, so prompt cleanup is important to reduce the risk of mold.

If the job had been left for a longer period, the water would have continued to soak deeper into materials, and the smell could have become harder to remove. Immediate attention helped prevent further moisture buildup and made it easier to get the basement back to normal.

What Did the Cleanup Cost?

For this kind of sewage backup and biohazard cleanup in Bartlett, the cost can vary based on how much material needs to be removed and how large the affected area is. In my situation, the estimated range was about $1,200 to $3,000. The amount depends on the extent of contamination, what needs to be discarded, and the time required to complete the cleanup safely.

Because I had soaked carpet and cardboard, those materials had to be removed. That increased the cost compared to a simple surface cleaning. It was still within the local average for this type of job, and I felt it was a practical step to protect my home and my family’s health.

Why February Weather Made This More Urgent

February in Bartlett is a time when basements can stay damp for longer because of the cold air outside. When water sits on surfaces, it increases the chance of mold and lingering odor. Also, sewage water contains contaminants that can spread if not contained properly. The winter weather made it harder to ventilate the space, which is why prompt action mattered.

In addition, freezing temperatures can cause pipes to behave differently, and a clogged sewer line can be more likely to back up during seasonal shifts. That made the situation more urgent than a typical cleanup job.

Why I Chose PuroClean of Bartlett

I chose PuroClean of Bartlett because they follow industry standards for safety and sanitation. The technicians wore proper protective equipment, contained the area, and removed contaminated materials according to safety guidelines. They also used sanitization methods and odor control to address the contamination fully.

Their approach felt methodical and practical, not rushed. They also mentioned secondary services like sewage cleanup and sanitation, virus decontamination and protection, and odor control, which made it clear they handle related cleanup needs beyond just sewage. Their focus was on safety and reducing risk, which mattered most to me.

Next Steps If You Need Biohazard Cleanup in Bartlett

If you find yourself dealing with a sewage backup or another biohazard situation in Bartlett, IL, reach out by phone or complete their contact form online. They can help assess the situation and explain what to expect, including how long the cleanup will take and what costs may be involved.