How To Clean Sewage Backup In The Basement
By: 911 Water Damage Experts
In this article you will learn:
– must-know tips on how to clean sewage backup
– common causes of basement sewage backup
– how to know if there’s sewage backup in your basement
– common solutions to basement sewage backup
1. Wear Protection
There are all sorts of bacteria and germs lurking in that black water now present in your basement.
You don’t want to expose yourself or members of your family to that. Therefore, when the time comes to start the cleanup process, it’s essential to protect yourself.
Wear goggles, a face mask, rubber gloves and boots, and water-resistant coveralls.
While you might need to take a trip to the store to pick up these items, they can provide a necessary barrier between yourself and raw sewage.
2. Identity the Problem and Start Draining
All manner of things can cause sewage to back up into your basements, such as a tree root or a clogged sewer line.
If your sump pump is still operational, you can put it to work. You can also help it along by using a shop vac or buckets.
If you can’t identify the problem or use your sump pump, it’s essential to call in a professional right away.
3. Clear the Room
You’re going to have a massive cleanup job ahead of you, so make it easier on yourself by removing as many items as you can.
It helps to have all surfaces exposed so that you can clean them effectively.
You can also use brooms and shovels to remove any sludge left behind before using a wet vac, if possible, to remove the last remaining water.
4. Start Cleaning
While it’s not going to be easy or fun, it’s going to be necessary: cleaning your basement from top to bottom.
Use hot water with a low-sudsing detergent, then rinse with clean, hot water. Ensure you start from the top and work your way down to prevent contamination.
5. Sanitize Surfaces
Source: Pixabay
Once you’ve scrubbed every inch of every surface, start the sanitizing process. Mix a ratio of one cup of bleach with one gallon of water and rinse the basement out. A push broom with your sanitizing solution can be easier and more effective than a mop.
6. Focus On The Sump Pump
When you’re satisfied that your basement is now squeaky clean, turn your attention to the sump pump. For a backup in the basement to occur in the first place, something must have gone wrong.
Has your sump pump been overworking? Is it functioning correctly now? If there is a problem and you’re not sure how to fix it, call the experts to ensure it’s in working condition.
6. Clean Yourself
After dealing with raw sewerage for much of the day, you’re going to be far from clean. Dispose of any wet clothing or rags that may have been contaminated by sewage.
Thoroughly wash and sanitize any protection gear you used. You can then take a hot shower and clean yourself as thoroughly as you cleaned your basement.
7. Dry the Basement
If the weather allows, open all your basement windows and use box fans and a dehumidifier to start the drying process.
Leave these appliances to work their magic for at least three days. Alternatively, hire an expert team with commercial equipment.
8. Look for Mould
Mold thrives in dark, damp places, which means your basement is at risk of producing mold spores.
Once you’ve finished the drying process, do a top to bottom check to ensure that no mold has started to appear.
If it has, thoroughly clean it to stop it from spreading. Alternatively, contact mold removal experts who can take care of this for you.
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Once all the drama of sewage backup in your basement has died down, it’s time for a bit of reflection.
What caused your sewage to back up in the first place? You may have identified the cause initially, but many things can go wrong, leading to this same problem.
Top 10 Causes Of Sewage Basement Backups
- Tree Root Infiltration
- Description: Tree roots can grow into sewer lines, causing blockages and damage.
- Prevention: Regularly inspect and clean sewer lines, and avoid planting trees too close to underground pipes.
- Clogged Sewer Lines
- Description: Accumulation of grease, hair, soap, and other debris can clog sewer lines over time.
- Prevention: Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, and use drain screens to catch debris.
- Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
- Description: Excessive rain can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, leading to backups into homes.
- Prevention: Install a sump pump and a backwater valve to prevent floodwater from entering your basement.
- Aging Sewer Systems
- Description: Older sewer systems can deteriorate, crack, and collapse, leading to backups.
- Prevention: Have your sewer system inspected by a professional and consider upgrading old pipes.
- Improper Disposal of Household Items
- Description: Flushing items like diapers, wipes, and sanitary products can cause blockages in sewer lines.
- Prevention: Dispose of these items in the trash, not the toilet.
- Broken or Collapsed Sewer Pipes
- Description: Sewer pipes can break or collapse due to shifting soil, construction, or deterioration.
- Prevention: Regularly inspect and maintain your sewer pipes to identify and repair damage early.
- City Sewer Line Issues
- Description: Problems in the municipal sewer system can lead to backups in individual homes.
- Prevention: Stay informed about local sewer system maintenance and report any suspected issues to your city.
- Poor Plumbing System Design
- Description: Inadequate plumbing system design can lead to frequent blockages and backups.
- Prevention: Ensure your plumbing system is designed and installed by a qualified professional.
- Grease Buildup
- Description: Pouring grease down the drain can solidify and cause blockages in sewer lines.
- Prevention: Dispose of grease in a container and throw it in the trash instead of pouring it down the drain.
- Large Amounts of Rainwater Entering the Sewer System
- Description: Improperly connected downspouts, sump pumps, and foundation drains can allow rainwater to enter the sewer system, causing backups.
- Prevention: Disconnect downspouts and sump pumps from the sewer system and redirect them away from your foundation.
How To Prevent Basement Sewage Backup
Basement sewage backups are a homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing damage, health risks, and costly repairs.
Thankfully, there are effective solutions to prevent these unfortunate events. Here are the top 10 solutions to prevent basement sewage backups:
- Install a Backwater Valve
- Description: A backwater valve is designed to allow sewage to flow out of your home but prevent it from flowing back in.
- Solution: Have a professional plumber install a backwater valve to block any potential reverse flow of sewage into your basement.
- Regular Sewer Line Maintenance
- Description: Regular cleaning and inspection of your sewer lines can prevent blockages caused by debris, grease, and tree roots.
- Solution: Schedule annual maintenance with a professional plumber to keep your sewer lines clear and in good condition.
- Proper Disposal of Waste
- Description: Flushing non-biodegradable items can clog sewer lines.
- Solution: Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Dispose of wipes, sanitary products, and other items in the trash.
- Use a Sump Pump
- Description: A sump pump helps keep your basement dry by pumping out water that accumulates in a sump basin.
- Solution: Install a sump pump with a battery backup to ensure it operates even during power outages.
- Divert Rainwater Away from the Foundation
- Description: Rainwater entering the sewer system can overwhelm it and cause backups.
- Solution: Disconnect downspouts from the sewer system and direct them away from your home’s foundation. Ensure your yard slopes away from the house.
- Install a Standpipe
- Description: A standpipe is a temporary solution that can prevent minor sewage backups.
- Solution: Insert a standpipe in basement floor drains to provide an outlet for water to rise without flooding your basement.
- Tree Root Management
- Description: Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines and cause blockages.
- Solution: Regularly inspect sewer lines for root intrusion. Use root barriers or consider removing trees that are too close to sewer lines.
- Upgrade Old Plumbing Systems
- Description: Older homes may have deteriorating pipes that are prone to breaking and clogging.
- Solution: Consult with a plumber to upgrade old pipes to more durable materials like PVC or cast iron.
- Install a Flood Alarm
- Description: Flood alarms can alert you to rising water levels in your basement before they become a major issue.
- Solution: Place flood alarms near potential water entry points to receive early warnings of leaks or backups.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps
- Description: Cracks and gaps in your basement walls and foundation can allow water to seep in.
- Solution: Inspect your basement for any cracks or gaps and seal them with appropriate materials to prevent water ingress.
How To Know Sewage Has Backed Up In Your Basement
The smell of sewage in your home can be the most obvious sign that you need to take a peek in your basement – no matter how terrified you are of what you’ll see. However, there are other ways to know you may have a problem.
You may notice that your drains and toilet are bubbling and slow to drain. This can mean that wastewater isn’t flowing away as it is supposed to do. If standing water is coming out of your sewer cleanout pipe, this can also be an alarm bell.
You may even notice that while using one water-using appliance, another reacts. For example, if you flush the toilet and water ends up in the shower, you’ve got a problem on your hands.
Sewage problems can happen to anyone. However, the more attention you give to your drainage and the more proactive you are with keeping it safe from damage, the less likely you may find yourself with a sewage situation in your basement. If the worst should happen, there are plenty of plumbers out there who are more than willing to lend a helping hand.
If you have any questions or need help with basement sewage removal feel free to call us about 1-833-WE-DRY-IT or drop a message in near real-time on our Facebook fan page.
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