The problem of sewage backup is a very inconvenient one, but inconvenience isn’t the biggest problem on your hand when it happens. You face bigger problems, such as the risk of an infection, electrocution or/and an explosion. The latter two problems do not readily come to people’s minds when such topic is discussed, but they are nonetheless worthy of consideration. All these combine to make the need for sewage backup cleanup services a rather serious one.

Before you start off on the DIY guide to rendering sewage backup cleanup services, it is important you know that the best guide for you would be to leave the house as is, call the companies responsible for supplying you with gas and power, and ask them to shut both off. Then, call for professional sewage backup cleanup services.

Having stated that, here are steps you can take to handle the situation yourself.

Steps to Cleaning a Sewage Backup Yourself

First Step

If the sewage backup affects areas such as the basement and kitchen, or other areas where appliances ae being used, then you should first of all shut off the main supply and then call your gas company to shut off the gas. When this is done, you don on your rubber gloves, a face mask and any other safety equipment that you have and then get to work proper.

Second Step

The first step to rendering actual sewage backup cleanup services is removing excess water from the affected areas. This can be done either by the use of pumps (in extreme cases), or a vacuum. Another option would be to use a mop and bucket. While doing so, use the opportunity to pick up and sort out things that you would want to throw away or salvage. These should be kept in two separate groups.

NB:don’t attempt to salvage items such as books, toys or cosmetic products.

Third Step

Next you hose down the affected area with clean fresh water via preferably a garden hose. Be sure to hit all the right spot and also, do not forget the walls. Thereafter, excess water can once again be removed via pumps or other fitting means.

At this stage, you remove solid waste from the floor with a broom and dustpan.

Fourth Step

Now is the time to clean the floor with a cleaning solution that also serves as a disinfectant. The logic to doing this would be to fill one bucket with clean water and the other with an appropriate ratio of water and disinfectant cleaning solution. Thereafter, you can wash the floors and walls with rags soaked in the cleaning solution and then rinse them with the clean water.

Just to be sure that disinfection is complete, you are advised to still scrub the walls with a brush that has been dipped in a bleach and water solution.

Fifth Step

Allow for maximum ventilation by opening all windows to the affected areas. It is important that the room dries out as quickly as possible for both convenience purposes and to avoid mold growth.

Final Step

When you are done, take a very thorough bath with an antibacterial soap. Also clean up your fingernails very well.

Lastly, you call on the utility companies to restore your power and gas. They might carry out an inspection to make sure that it is indeed safe to do so.

With these done, you would have successfully rendered yourself sewage backup cleanup services.