• how a sewage back up is different than water damage

5 Reasons Why a Professional Service is Needed to Clean Up Sewage Backup

A sewage backup is a problem that homeowners and property managers may have to deal with. It can cause problems to day to day life and is a hassle to clean up. While sewage back up is fixable, if not treated properly it can lead to serious health hazards and sanitation problems, and lead to serious property damage in years to come.

If your property encounters a sewer back up it is important to bring in a plumber and professional clean up crew as quickly as possible to avoid any danger or illness to yourself or others. Here is what to expect from having sewage backup professionally cleaned.

Before the Professionals Arrive

Once you discover the problem and call in the professionals, there are a few things you can do to prep the affected area. 

  1. Begin by keeping everyone safe. Evacuate children, seniors, and pets from the area that’s been flooded. Do not allow them back into the space until the problem has been cleaned up and a professional gives you the all-clear.
  2. Safety first – turn off the electricity from the electrical box. Water and electricity don’t mix,  and shutting off the power to that area of your home will allow the team access to work on clean up safely. DO NOT touch any outlets that the water has covered.
  3. Sewage water can contain contaminants and bacteria that is harmful to humans. Open all windows to start ventilating the area as much as possible, and bring in fans to start the drying process.
  4. If possible, begin to move any dry items that the water has not touched. Move them from the space to keep them safe from the sewage backup.

What to Expect from the Professionals

Professional clean up crews know how to categorize the type of backup you’re dealing with. Sewage can consist of grey water which is classified as flooding from sinks, showers, dishwashers, etc. If the water comes from toilets and flushed sewage with human waste, it is what is known as black water. This is where the problem can get really bad.

  1. When dealing with black water, a professional team understands that the water could contain parasites and bacteria. They will utilize personal protective equipment to keep these issues at bay and to keep themselves protected. Without the use of a PPE there is a risk of contracting diseases such as hepatitis A.
  2. Start the clean up process by pumping out the water. Using specialized equipment and protective gear, the team will start to remove the water from the home. This includes any solid materials.
  3. Once the water and debris is gone, it’s time to find the cause of the leak and fix the issue. If the crew has a plumber on staff, they will get to work on this right away. If not, they will call in a recommended professional plumber.
  4. Any drywall that has been damaged will be replaced along with the floors. Industrial dehumidifiers are used to dry the space as quickly as possible.
  5. Now it’s time to sanitize the area. This is when the team will use state of the art equipment and cleaners. They’ll make sure the entire area and your possessions are safe to return to your home, and that any bacteria, or other health risks, are gone.

Call in the Sewage Backup Professionals for Cleanup

At McMahon Services & Construction our goal is to fix the sewage problem as quickly as possible and make it feel like your home was never affected by water damage. Our team has over 20 years of experience in water damage and clean up services, along with certified staff in this field.

We also offer 24/7 services in emergency situations. Our team is here to  help get your home back to normal as soon as possible.