Safe removal and sanitizing of sewage backups to protect your health and your property.
Sewage backups are treated differently from other water damage situations because the water involved is contaminated and can carry bacteria and other pathogens. A sewage backup, whether from a blocked line, a municipal system issue or a septic problem, requires careful handling to protect both the people in the property and the technicians performing the cleanup. MoldWise Restoration has managed sewage cleanup projects in Brookings, SD for 15 years with that safety standard as the starting point.
The process begins with containing the affected area to limit the spread of contamination to unaffected parts of the property. Technicians wear appropriate protective equipment before entering the space, and materials that have come into contact with sewage, such as carpet, carpet padding and some drywall, are typically removed rather than cleaned, since these porous materials cannot be reliably sanitized.
Once contaminated materials are removed, remaining surfaces are cleaned and sanitized using products suited to the type of contamination present. This step is followed by drying the space with air movers and dehumidifiers, similar to other water damage situations, but with additional attention to confirming that odors and residue from the contamination have been addressed, not just the visible mess.
Because sewage cleanup involves health considerations beyond typical water damage, we recommend property owners and occupants stay out of the affected area until cleanup is underway. Our team handles the removal, sanitizing and drying so the space can be returned to normal use with the contamination properly addressed rather than simply covered up.
The affected area is contained before cleanup begins to limit spread.
Carpet, padding and similar materials in contact with sewage are removed, not just cleaned.
Remaining surfaces are cleaned and sanitized as a distinct step from drying.
Protective equipment and containment protect both occupants and technicians.
Limit the spread of contaminated water to unaffected parts of the property.
Take out porous materials that cannot be reliably sanitized.
Treat remaining surfaces to address contamination and odor.
Use air movers and dehumidifiers to bring the area back to normal moisture levels.
It is not recommended. Sewage contains bacteria and other pathogens that require protective equipment and proper sanitizing to handle safely.
Carpet and padding that have come into contact with sewage typically need to be removed, since these materials cannot be reliably sanitized.
Odor is addressed through removal of contaminated materials and sanitizing of remaining surfaces, followed by drying the space fully.
Reach our team to discuss your sewage cleanup needs and get an estimate for the work involved.
Call 1 (877) 264-5920