How to Handle Sewage Backup in a Basement; 10 tips

Aside from spending time and money to fix a sewage backup problem, sewage flooding also presents serious health hazards. Sewage contains contaminants like bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses, which makes dealing with the flooding yourself a health risk. https://sciencing.com/microorganisms-found-sewage-8224693.html

Not only is a DIY job dangerous, but moisture may hide behind walls and further problems like mold growth can follow. Calling a professional restoration company is your best way to deal with a sewage flood in your basement. However, here’s what you can do to mitigate the damage in your basement before the restoration team arrives:

• Evacuate the flooded area. Remember sewage backups contain a high level of contaminants. Do not enter the basement unless you are in protective shoes and clothing; even then only do so to retrieve must have items. Sewage contaminants are hazardous to pets as well, be sure to keep those fur babies out of the area.

• Turn off electrical power in the area that experienced the sewage back up. Electrical wires or appliances might come in contact with standing water or wet materials. If you unable to safely disconnect items, stay out of standing water and contact a licensed electrician.
• If the main circuit breaker is in the basement, be careful. If you can’t safely turn off the power, don’t go near electrical devices.
• Wear protective clothing like a facemask, eyeglasses, gloves, and rubber boots before walking through sewage water caused by the sewage backup. Be sure to lay out a plastic trash bag and towel before heading down to the basement. When coming back upstairs step onto the towel to remove shoes and wet clothing, then place into the trash bag until you can safely sanitize.
• Shut off the valve for the main water line of your home. Check out how to shut off utilities during a disaster. The sewage back up might be caused by an outside issues, but this can help prevent further damage.
• Think about notifying your insurance company about the sewage backup. Remember that sewer backups are not covered by standard homeowners insurance, unless you’ve purchased extra endorsements for sewers and drains. In the event that you don’t have coverage, PuroClean can offer a payment plan to ensure things are still properly cleaned. Learn more about homeowners insurance and water damage.
• Notify your municipal authority or sewer department if your home is connected to a public sewer. They might be experiencing high call volume if the storm drains are the cause of your problem- be patient!
• Don’t use the water supply system in your home until the sewage backup problem is fixed – don’t flush toilets or drain tubs and sinks.
• Open windows or doors to let fresh air in and ventilate the area.
• Stay calm and call your local PuroClean Emergency Services- Dayton- 937-401-9700 or Cincinnati- 513-897-8990.

Learn more about the top causes of basement flooding to help prevent these disasters in the future. Additionally, check out seven key tips to keep your basement dry and avoid mold growth and structural problems. Contact your local PuroClean office for mold remediation services and water damage repair in Dayton, Springfield and Cincinnati.