Sewer backup is a dangerous thing! Don't try to clean it up yourself.

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

We can help you make it "Like it never even happened"!

Sewer backup is a troublesome incident that causes a lot of hassle and disruption to daily life – it may not be as destructive as a fire or a tornado, but it presents a variety of health hazards and sanitation issues and may result in considerable property damage and serious personal injury. Therefore, sewage backup has to be dealt with quickly and efficiently – in the event of a sewage spill in your home, you need to evacuate everyone, turn off the power and water supply to the building, and call a plumber and a cleanup specialist to fix the problem.

Depending on the severity of the situation, you may be able to take some steps to limit the damage, salvage your belongings, or even handle the problem yourself. Have in mind though that sewage cleanup is a laborious and dangerous job, so do not undertake the task unless the spill is small and easily manageable.

What to Do After Sewage Backup

Regardless of whether you intend to use professional sewage cleanup services or attempt DIY sewage cleaning, there are some important precautionary measures to take as soon as you notice the problem:

• Evacuate children, seniors, and pets and do not allow them in the affected area until it is restored to a safe condition;
• Contact the utility companies that service your area and have them shut off the electricity, gas, and water supply to your home. If the spill is small and there’s no danger to you, you can turn off the power and water supply yourself (only if the power distribution panel and main water valve are safely above water!) – just make sure you wear appropriate personal protective equipment;
• Open windows to ventilate the area;
• Take any dry, uncontaminated items away;
• Add small amounts of chlorine bleach to standing water – this will ensure some disinfection and prevent bacteria from spreading;
• Notify your insurance company that there has been a sewage backup in your home and make sure you take several pictures of the spill, as well as the water damaged items and structural materials before the cleanup begins (you will need them as proof for your insurance claim).

As already mentioned, cleaning up sewer backup is a difficult, unpleasant, and risky task. Calling professional cleaners is highly recommended. 

SERVPRO of Decatur/Forsyth can cleanup your sewage backup. Call us anytime 24/7.

(217) 428-2371