We’ve all heard of floods, and some of us have even experienced them. But a sewage backup flood? This is the worst kind of flood imaginable! Whether it’s because your old sewer pipes could no longer handle the wastewater or you live in an area prone to flooding from heavy rains, gaining access to your property can be a giant mess. Sewage isn’t something that you want to mess around with – it’s not only smelly but also contains harmful bacteria. Not sure what to do after you’re flooded with sewage backup? Don’t worry; Robinson Restoration has your back. They serve Seattle and nearby areas and in this post, they’ll cover everything you need to know about water restoration after a sewage backup situation and how to get back on your feet fast.
Shut Off The Water And Electricity To Your Home
After sewage backup floods your home, the first thing you need to do is press the panic button. Just kidding! The real first step is to shut off the water and electricity going into your house; this will not only prevent any further damage but also keep you safe from electrocution. Once that’s done, it’s time to don a miner’s hat and goggles and dive right in. That is if you are brave enough to face all the muck and dirty water. If not, call for professional help immediately! After all, no one should swim in sewage without industry-grade gear.
Remove All Furniture From The Affected Area
Remove all the furniture from the affected area and place them on safer ground. It would be best to take pictures of where each item was originally positioned, as returning them to their original spots will prove to be quite much of a jigsaw puzzle after the cleaning process. However, if you’re up for some fun and games, then forget about taking those pesky photos and play “Where Did I Put That?” as you try (and probably fail) to assemble your living room again. You can even invite friends over for a game or two: It’s not every day an old armchair makes it all the way from your bedroom.
Throw Away Any Food That Was In Contact With The Sewage Water
After your home is flooded with sewage water, the most important precautionary step to take is to throw out any food items which were in contact with the wastewater. This is especially so for items such as raw vegetables and fruits, and other perishables. By throwing them away, you’ll be preventing the potential spread of contaminants and infection, which may cause long-term health risks.
Sanitize Your Home To Get Rid Of Any Harmful Bacteria
You’ll need to make sure you sanitize everything from floorboards to furniture to get rid of any bacteria that may have been brought in with the backup. Luckily, there are disinfectants specifically designed for this purpose that you can purchase either online or at your local store. After you’ve given everything a good cleaning and allowed it to dry, it’s important to keep an eye on the air quality in your home. Opening up windows and running fans will circulate fresh oxygen throughout the space and help clear out musty odors left behind from the sewage flood. With some dedication and care, soon enough, you’ll be able to feel comfortable and safe again in your own home.
Dry Out The Walls And Floors
The best move right off the bat is to start drying out any affected areas in order to prevent further damage from rot and mold. Mud-sucking pumps, dehumidifiers, and fans are all essential tools that should be used in tandem with one another to help draw out moisture from carpets, drywall, wallpaper, furniture, and fixtures that have been compromised. As you tackle this difficult task, keep in mind that a little extra air circulation goes a long way. Opening up windows and doors can create an environment conducive to quick and effective drying out. So if your home has been flooded with less than desirable results, don’t despair; just remember to tidy things up – quickly.
Sewage backup can be a stressful and overwhelming situation, but it is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps toward remediation. While cleaning up sewage-contaminated items may seem daunting, it’s essential to perform the task correctly in order to avoid health risks. Additionally, make sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible and document the incident for coverage purposes. Ultimately, you must focus on sewage for clean-up but also anticipate further damages such as mold or pests. Prepare mentally for the entire process so that you can get through it efficiently without becoming overwhelmed or stressed out. Take action quickly, and you can ensure easy recovery and repair of your home.
