A sewer backup can cause a lot of disruption to daily life. Not only can it damage your property, but it can also present various health concerns and sanitation issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. In the event of a sewer spill, you need to evacuate everyone from your home, turn off the water and power supply, and call up a cleanup specialist and plumber.
Do not attempt to unclog the drains yourself. This is the responsibility of a professional, as the job can be dangerous and a laborious task. Here are some important safety tips to follow if you experience a sewer backup in your basement.
Evacuate the area
Everyone needs to leave the building as quickly and as safely as possible. This also includes any pets you may have in the house. The affected area should not be reopened until it has been restored to its previously clean and safe condition.
Contact the utility company
You need to shut down the water and power supplies to your home; this needs to be done as soon as possible so that damage is minimized. Even if it is a small spill, it is still recommended that you reach out to professionals. If you do decide to switch off the power yourself, ensure that it is above water and that you are wearing appropriate protective clothing.
Ventilate the area
Keep the room/area ventilated by opening windows if it is safe to do so. Do not turn on any air conditioning, however, as the sewage water may have contaminated your AC unit. If you think this is the case, then you will need to have professional duct cleaning.
Notify your insurance
Call up your insurance company and tell them that there has been a sewer backup within your home. You should also take as many photos as possible and send these across as evidence. If any of your possessions have been ruined, take photographs of these, too, as you may need to claim them on your insurance.
Recover any untouched items
Take any items that haven’t been contaminated, as long as it does not pose any risk to your health or wellbeing. If the weather outside permits it, place the items in the garden so that they can air. You should clean and sanitize the items regardless so that there is no risk of any contamination.
Enlist the help of a professional
As mentioned before, there are many health hazards associated with a sewer backup. Rather than risk your health, you should contact a professional sewage cleanup service and have them restore your property. Sewage cleaning requires you to handle infectious waste, so you will need to wear the correct protective gear to ensure your safety. What’s more, sewer backup in the basement can cause property damage, which, if left unnoticed, can cause mold growth. Proper cleaning needs to be done if you want to stop further damage from happening to your house.
