Sewer Backup in Basement?
Clean-up following water damage. Any size damage can be very upsetting. Even the smallest instance, such as a leaky drain or an ice dam, if left unattended can cause long term mold damage. Highly trained technicians will quickly remove the water using advanced equipment, as well as complete monitoring and documentation of the progress. But if you have a sewerage back-up - here is what you need to know:
Here's what you need to know:
Sewer lines transport wastewater away from your home through underground plumbing that leads to local sewer mains. If a clog forms in the line or a line fails, it can create a raw sewage backup in your home. Thompson Building Associates offers tips for what to do when there's a sewage backup in basement spaces.
How Dangerous is Sewage?
Organic material decomposes quickly and emits odorous gases that can be hazardous to people's health – especially when they come from human waste. Organic material often contains disease-causing pathogens, which is why the fast and complete removal of sewage is critical after any backup. Wastewater poses a severe health risk to any humans and animals living in the home. Sewage water is considered Category 3 water or black water.
There's a Sewage Backup in the Basement. Now What?
If you discover a sewer backup in the basement, there are a few things you can do immediately.
- Check all the toilets, sinks, and waste pipes for blockages. If there is a blockage that you can clear, clear it. If needed, call a plumber for assistance.
Avoid using the toilets or sinks until the obstruction has been removed. If it's a mainline clog, the water will back up and then come up through the bathtubs or basement.
Check your home's sewer cleanout. If the backup is in your basement, look for the cap on the basement floor and make sure that it's easily accessible for the plumber or remediation team as needed.
Safety tip: If there is standing water in your basement from sewage backup, never enter the space while the power is on – this is dangerous. Electricity and water can kill.
Assess the Risks
Dealing with a sewage backup and water in the basement can be dangerous. It's essential to assess the risks before attempting any cleanup. Sewage contaminated water can contain a variety of bacteria and viruses. While not transmitted through the air, contact with skin can result in rashes or infection if you have even the smallest open sores or cuts. Accidentally touching your nose, eyes, or mouth with hands or gloves contaminated by sewage can make you sick. When you find a sewage backup in the basement, it's beneficial and often safer to call in the professionals.
Thompson Building Associates offers complete clean-up and drying services. Our specially trained teams can safely and effectively extract any water and sewage, assess the damage, and complete a comprehensive remediation plan that may include structural dehumidification, content drying, furniture cleaning, and even pack-out services, as needed.
Sewer backups can be dangerous, smelly, and very messy -
learn more at the Better Health Channel.
Call our team 24/7/365 at 614-863-9650
