Cleanup and Disinfection

When faced with a sewage backup, prompt cleanup and thorough disinfection are crucial to minimize health risks and prevent damage.

How to Clean Up a Sewage Backup

• **Safety First:** Wear protective gear, including gloves and mask, and ensure proper ventilation.
• **Contain the Spill:** Use towels, sandbags, or plastic sheeting to contain the sewage and prevent its spread.
• **Remove Standing Water:** Use a wet vacuum or mop to remove as much standing water as possible.
• **Remove Soiled Materials:** Discard any contaminated belongings that cannot be salvaged, such as carpets, furniture, and clothing.

Disinfection Protocol

After cleaning up the spill, disinfection is essential to kill harmful bacteria.

• **Choose a Disinfectant:** Use a bleach solution (one part household bleach to nine parts water) or an EPA-registered disinfectant.
• **Apply Thoroughly:** Apply the disinfectant to all affected surfaces, paying attention to porous areas like carpet and upholstery.
• **Allow Contact Time:** Leave the disinfectant on for the recommended contact time to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• **Rinse and Dry:** Rinse all disinfected surfaces thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry completely.

How to Get the Sewer Smell Out of Your House After Backup

Eliminating the lingering sewer smell after a backup is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment.

Ventilation

• **Open Windows and Doors:** Air out your house by opening windows and doors, allowing for fresh air circulation.
• **Use Fans:** Place fans around the affected area to promote air movement and dissipate the smell.
• **Use Baking Soda:** Place bowls of baking soda in the affected area to absorb odors.

Odor Neutralizers

• **White Vinegar:** Spray a mixture of white vinegar and water around the affected area to neutralize the smell.
• **Coffee Grounds:** Spread coffee grounds in the affected area and let them sit for several hours before vacuuming.
• **Activated Charcoal:** Place activated charcoal filters in the room to absorb odor molecules.