How to Handle a Sewer Back-up
One of the worst problems you can face as a homeowner is a
backed up sewer. It’s a stinky mess and a hassle. As professionals in sewer repair in St Paul,
we know firsthand just how dirty this problem can be. So here are a few
suggestions what to do when faced with this issue.
When you see that your sewer is backed up, call an expert
repair company like All Ways Drains first. We can send a plumber out as soon as
possible to assess the damage and fix it.
After the problem is fixed, you should consider calling in a
professional cleaning crew to tackle the worst of the mess. Raw sewage isn’t
just a smelly mess – it can also pose a health hazard to you and your family if
left sitting for too long.
All standing water should be removed first. This can be done
using a wet vac or something similar. A sump pump can also help get rid of the
water if the sewer back up happened in your basement.
All solid waste should be collected and properly disposed
of. This is where a professional cleaner can really come in handy! So make sure
to call in experts if you are unsure of how to take care of this in a sanitary
and safe manner.
The area also needs to be completely dried out. Use fans to
help with ventilation and, weather-permitting, open windows and doors to help
the air circulate. You can also use a dehumidifier.
All rugs and carpeting in the affected areas should be
disposed of, and you should also look for other items that were affected by the
sewer back up. Some items might be salvageable, but most porous items will need
to be trashed (like paper items, cardboard, etc.).
Check the walls and paneling around the baseboards. If you see
any discoloration or lines, you should get those parts of the walls and
baseboards replaced as soon as possible.
Finally, the entire affected area should be fully cleaned
and disinfected. It should be washed thoroughly with a mix of bleach and water
(1 part bleach with 9 parts water) and then rinsed and allowed to air dry. This
mix should sit on the affected areas for at least 15 minutes before being
rinsed away.
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