Is there a sewage smell lingering in your home? 

It’s possible that a mess you thought you cleaned was left to fester and worsen. Sewage cleanup is no easy feat, and it is not uncommon to encounter a sewage backup that leads to unwanted odors and damage in your home. 

Our team at Fast Affordable Restoration is here to explain what to do when your home experiences a sewage backup. We’ll walk you through sewage cleanup safety and discuss when to call your local professional restoration company, Fast Affordable Restoration.

Necessary Precautions for Sewage Cleanup

After a sewage clog, it is important to take certain steps to protect yourself and your family from hazardous substances. Effectively addressing the affected area is crucial to ensure proper sanitation and prevent health hazards. 

Two crucial steps are contacting your utility company to temporarily shut off water and gas and evacuating until the area is safe. Opening your windows and notifying your insurance company are also key aspects of getting your home ready for any restoration project.

Some sewer backups are minor and can be fixed quickly and easily, while others require a team of experienced professionals.

Causes of Sewage Backups

Sewage backups can occur due to a variety of reasons. Understanding these causes can help you take preventive measures to protect your home:

• Clogged Pipes: Hair, grease, and other debris can accumulate in pipes, leading to blockages that cause sewage backups. Regularly cleaning your drains can help prevent this issue.
• Tree Root Infiltration: Tree roots can grow into sewer lines, causing damage and blockages. This is a common problem in older homes with mature trees.
• Broken or Collapsed Sewer Lines: Aging or damaged sewer lines can collapse or break, leading to sewage backups. Regular inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become severe.
• Sewer Main Blockages: Blockages in the main sewer line can cause sewage to back up into homes and businesses, often requiring professional intervention.
• Heavy Rainfall: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the sewer system, causing sewage to back up into homes and businesses. Installing a backwater valve can help prevent this.

Health Risks Associated with Sewage Exposure

Exposure to sewage can pose serious health risks, making it crucial to handle sewage cleanup with care:

• Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Sewage can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Respiratory Problems: Inhaling sewage fumes can lead to respiratory issues such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It’s important to ventilate affected areas and wear protective gear.
• Skin Infections: Direct contact with sewage can cause skin infections, including cellulitis and abscesses. So, it is important always to wear gloves and other protective clothing when handling sewage.
• Other Health Risks: Exposure to sewage can also result in eye and ear infections, and severe cases can be life-threatening. Professional cleanup services can help mitigate these risks.

When Cleaning Yourself After Exposure to Sewage Water

If you have a small sewage problem affecting one room or a simple spill, handling the cleaning safely and effectively is still important. A thorough cleanup process is essential to ensure all contaminants are properly removed. We recommend:

• Wear gloves and a face mask (and any other protective gear, such as rubber boots).
• Close doors to other, unaffected areas to prevent airborne particles and any water you track around from contaminating other areas of your home.
• Discard items that have been soaked through or overly contaminated.
• Wash and disinfect walls, floors, or other areas where the sewage clog has been contaminated.

Addressing a sewage spill immediately is crucial to prevent further damage and potential health risks.

Preventing Sewage Backups

Preventing sewage backups requires regular maintenance and proactive measures. Here are some steps you can take to protect your home:

• Regularly Clean and Inspect Sewer Lines: Regular cleaning and inspection of sewer lines can help identify and address potential problems before they cause sewage backups. Consider scheduling annual inspections with a professional.
• Avoid Flushing Items That Can Clog Pipes: Items such as hair, grease, and other debris should never be flushed down the toilet or sink. Dispose of these items properly to prevent clogs.
• Install a Backwater Valve: A backwater valve can help prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rainfall or sewer main blockages. This is a worthwhile investment for homes in flood-prone areas.
• Regularly Inspect and Maintain Sump Pumps: Sump pumps prevent basement flooding. To ensure they function properly, they should be regularly inspected and maintained.
• Address Plumbing Issues Promptly: Don’t ignore minor plumbing issues. Addressing them promptly can prevent them from escalating into major problems that cause sewage backups.

Understanding the causes, health risks, and preventive measures associated with sewage backups can help you better protect your home and family. For professional sewage cleanup services, contact Fast Affordable Restoration. Our team is equipped to handle any sewage emergency, ensuring your home is safe and clean.

When to Call the Pros for Sewage Backup

Minor issues are one thing, but it’s important to know when to contact a professional for sewage restoration. Sewage water poses significant health risks and requires professional cleanup to ensure safe and effective removal. Call in the pros:

• If more than one room in your home is affected.
• If the backup has been sitting for longer than one full day.
• If your problem stems from a septic tank backup.
• If you don’t have any protective equipment.
• If you have significant property damage to floors, walls, baseboards, and even drywall.
• If you notice any mold due to the moisture from the sewage clog.

If you are ever unsure of what to do or who to call, reach out to Fast Affordable Restoration. We offer sewage restoration services and several other restoration services to help you get your home back up and running as fast as possible.

Remember the Health Risks

If you aren’t a professional, it can be dangerous to try and restore your home after discovering sewage smells or clogs. Sewage damage also brings water and mold damage with it, weakening your home’s structural integrity and creating an unhealthy and unsafe environment for you and your family. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding sewer restoration, contact Fast Affordable Restoration to ensure you stay safe, healthy, and happy in your home.