Raw sewage backed up into your home or office can pose a serious threat to your property and to your own health. The damage caused to the structure itself is one of no minor consequence to deal with, however, more dangerous are the hazards that raw sewage present to your health. Don't under estimate sewage as an easy-cleanup problem, sewage carries all kinds of virus and bacteria that can cause serious illness. At any time you are dealing with raw sewage it is important that you wear protective clothing and gloves on your hands, goggles for your eyes and a resperator for breathing. Also, when removing sewage contaminated items they must be disposed of in accordance with your local city/state regulations.
Most areas allow you to dispose of carpeting, padding and other items in a local land fill but raw sewage must be disposed of in a sanitery sewer! You should never dispose of raw sewage any where else, this can be a major health hazard for others and can also carry very large penalties with the health departments and EPA(Enviromental Protection Agency). Pregnant women, women who are nursing, babies or young children, elderly and anyone with immune deficiency or health issues should not be in any area where sewage damages have occurred. These areas should be contained using at least a 6mil pastic vapor barriers and HEPA air scrubbing units.
In summary:
1. Extract all standing sewage from the flooring, bath tubs, shower etc. using a vacuum system that has a filtration device to catch toilet paper, feminine products, etc... The items we throw in toilets will clog up a shop vac. and never use a regular floor vacuum cleaner. Also contents which can be salvaged should be stored for later cleaning.
2. Remove all wet carpeting, baseboards, drywall, wood flooring, vinyl flooring and throw them away. Water has a way of working it's way under your flooring and into the walls. Because we are dealing with sewage contaminated water all materials touched by it must be removed and thrown out, not just cleaned. Also, sewage water is highly prone to mold growth because of it's high level of contamination. Thus, porous materials such as carpet, wood flooring, etc.. will hold bacteria's causing future smells and possible health hazards.
3. Once all the contaminated materials have been disposed of you can begin cleaning the remaining structural items such as concrete flooring, wood frame work etc... Using antimicrobial disinfectants clean all areas affected. After all areas are clean, its a good idea to clean them again. You can never be too clean! Plus, once things are all put back together you don't want to find yourself saying "honey, whats that funny smell?"
4. After all cleaning has been completed and you are sure the affected areas are completely disinfected and sanitary, a complete dry-out of all exposed frame work and flooring using dehumidifiers and air movers is in order. This will rule out any possibility mold growth. Speed of drying depends on amount of saturation caused from the backup and the amount/type of drying equipment used. The average dry time is 3 days for most materials. Once everything is completely dry, you will be ready for reconstruction.
Most home owners insurance policies cover sewage loss. If you have any questions at all call us for more information or advice 24/7 at 1-877-382-2772 or 801-566-1577.
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