How to Clean Up Sewage Damage

6/5/2024 (Permalink)

Sewer cleanup calls for measures that go beyond the recommended treatments for damage caused by clean water. Find out how mitigation professionals respond to a sewer backup at a commercial building in Cumming, GA.

Remove Standing Water and Solids

The first step in cleaning up sewer damage is to remove contaminated water and solids. This may call for the use of a

• Mop
• Pump
• Wet vac
  
  

Some pumps are designed to eliminate liquids and solids. It may be possible to rent cleanup equipment or hire a restoration service.

Tear Out Porous Materials

Porous building materials and contents absorb contaminated water. These items should be torn out or disposed of due to the difficulty of disinfection and the risks of mold growth or recontamination. Damage restoration professionals can recommend which materials or items must be removed. If water damage is caused by clean water from a broken supply line, most items can be air-dried.

Clean and Disinfect

Sewer cleanup involves the additional step of disinfection. Regardless of whether water damage is Category Two gray water or Category Three black water, a building owner should

• Remove all water and debris
• Clean the affected area
• Disinfect the affected area
  
  

Experts may also pre-treat an area with disinfectant prior to tearing out damaged materials. Another round of treatment is necessary to ensure that contaminants do not remain after the tearing-out process.

Dry and Lower Humidity Levels

Once cleanup is complete, it is important to dry the area affected by a flooded toilet or sewer backup. This may be done with air-drying, dehumidifiers, or ventilation. Wait until the area is dry before completing the restoration. Rushing through the end of the mitigation process may increase the risk of secondary damage.

Sewer damage is likely to involve contaminated water. A sewer cleanup service can quickly restore the damage and recommend solutions to property owners in Cumming, GA.