Sewage Cleanup And How To Go About It

By: Adir Le

Remember that scene from Meet the Parents when the septic tank overflowed and flooded the backyard? That overflow was part of a series of events that ruined a weekend. And that was just a movie. However, in real life, a sewage problem at your home doesn't have to be a part of a series of misfortunes. A sewage problem stands alone as a very real and hazardous problem that must be rectified immediately. Sewage cleanup is imperative for bringing your home back to normal and it is a process that needs to begin quickly.

Your First Step to Take After a Sewage Spill
The first step you'll need to take in the case of a major sewage spill is to call a professional clean-up company, especially in the case of an outdoor spill. They will know the right steps to take to make sure everything is cleaned and disinfected. The contamination could be more widespread than you may realize. A professional team will know the unexpected areas to explore. Since this is a matter of your and your family's health and well-being, you don't want to take any risks when it comes to clean-up. While you wait for them to arrive, there are a few things you can do on your own to deal with the initial mess.

Exercise Caution When Handling Contaminated Items
First of all, wear protective clothing, including waterproof gloves and rubber boots when handling any contaminated items. Sewage water contains pathogenic, fungal, viral and other contaminants that can be extremely dangerous to your health. Don't risk spreading disease to yourself or others. If the sewage spill has occurred inside your home there will be many items that will need to be discarded. You can clean your walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water and then disinfect with a bleach solution. You can mix your own solution by combining 1/4 cup bleach with one gallon of water.

Property Loss with Sewage Spills
Unfortunately, the property loss that comes with a sewage spill can be significant. Carpeting, upholstered furniture, mattresses and other items that can't be washed or dry cleaned will need to be discarded. Hardwood furniture may be salvageable if you are able to completely dry and disinfect the furniture within 48 hours, but wood does absorb moisture so be very cautious about what you keep. You can begin the clean up process by separating the items that you think will need to be gotten rid of from that which is salvageable. Make sure that the items that can be washed are dried thoroughly after washing to prevent mold and mildew growth. Once professional help arrives, they can better direct your clean up effort. They will know best what can be saved and that which will need to be a casualty of the sewage spill.

Professional Cleaning Service
Beyond these simple steps, sewage cleanup in your home should be tended to by a professional cleaning service that specializes in sewage cleanup. They will be more aware of the contamination threats that such a spill will pose and will be better equipped to handle it efficiently and with your health in mind. Remember that safety comes first in sewage clean up.

Article Source: http://www.articlepro.co.uk/international

Adir writes for the Sewage Cleanup section of alladinrestoration.com, a water and fire damage restoration company that services all around the U.S.

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