How To Handle A Sewer Backup

How to Handle a Sewer Backup

A sewer backup can cause enormous stress for families.  Because of the high probability of property damage, along with health concerns, sewer backups should be taken very seriously.  Quick and proper reactions to sewer backups can tremendously help minimize both health and property losses.  Although every sewer backup is different and unique, there are a few universal measures which you can use to reduce damage.

First of all, quick responses to sewer line backups will assist relieve further extensive property and health destruction.  Promptly, upon the restoration of a sewer backup, a professional, licensed remediation company should be reached to ensure a thorough, professional sanitized cleanup of all property.

When a sewer backup occurs, it is very important to first shut off all running devices, such as washing machines, showers, running toilets, or any other water installation.  All drain openers needs to be closed with stoppers or plugs.  In addition, all electrical devices should be unplugged.  Circuit breakers near the affected area need to be turned off.  Care should be provided to keep children and pets out of any areas affected by the sewer line backup. 

It is advisable to take before and after pictures of the area impacted by the sewer backup; these may come in practical when dealing with contractors, as well as insurance claims.  All locations in proximity of the sewer backup needs to be treated as contaminated and arrange for proper cleaning and sanitizing.  A wet vaccum is preferred for getting rid of water from sewer line backups.  One of the easiest way to clean wood or stone floors is with a bleach/water solution.  Care should be taken and an area needs to be tested prior to use on any area.  Carpet that is damaged from a sewer line backup will likely have to be removed and possibly thrown away after a sewer line backup.

Any home furniture that is either ruined or tarnished from sewer backup has to be removed and discarded.  The same goes for any drapes affected by the sewer backup. Any wallpaper, wood paneling or wall coverings should also be either sanitized and repaired or taken down and thrown out. Any plumber Santa Monica would consent that it’s better to buy new ones of these items than to store a filthy and unsanitized one.