How to Clean Up Sewage Spillage: Process & Ways to Handle

5 min read

A sewage spillage in your home can interrupt your daily routine and be a hazardous situation to deal with. It creates an unpleasant smell and also poses a serious threat to your health and demands immediate attention. Further, cleaning up sewage spillage can be a complex task requiring expert knowledge and skills.

On the bright side, navigating this challenging situation and regaining your home’s cleanliness and safety is possible. Below, we’ll cover the causes of sewage spillage and share tips on how to clean up sewage spillage safely and effectively.

Sewage Spillage: What It Is and Why It Happens

A sewage spill or overflow is an unintentional release of untreated or partially treated wastewater from the sewage system into the environment. This can include raw sewage, which contains various contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals hazardous to health.

Here are some of the primary causes behind sewage problems:

• Pipe Blockages and Clogs: Solidified grease, wet wipes, and other non-flushable items can accumulate over time and obstruct flow, leading to backups and spills.
• Structural Deterioration and Damage: As pipes age, they may corrode, crack, or collapse, leading to sewage escape. Additionally, tree roots can invade and damage pipes, exacerbating the risk of spills.
• Sewer System Overloads: Heavy rainfall or flooding can cause excessive water to infiltrate pipes through cracks or improper connections, overwhelming sewer systems.

Sewage escaping its designated containment presents various issues. Since it carries harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A, direct contact with contaminated water or surfaces can cause illnesses like dermatitis, rashes, and eye infections. Airborne microorganisms from evaporating sewage can also lead to respiratory infections.

Moreover, the chemicals present in sewage can damage pipes and infrastructure, while dampness from spills can promote bacterial growth. These can undermine the structural integrity and value of your home.

How To Clean Up Sewage Spillage

Dealing with a sewer system spill in your home can be challenging, stressful, and even hazardous. This step-by-step process on how to clean up sewage spillage outlines the necessary instructions for a safe and effective cleanup.

1. Identify the Source

Before anything, it’s necessary to figure out the source of the spillage. Whether it’s a toilet overflow, a backed-up sewer line, or a broken line, the source should be stopped before any cleanup begins.

2. Evaluate Safety Risks

Assess the level of contamination. Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, so it’s crucial to determine whether you can manage the cleanup or need professional help. For larger spills or if the water has been standing for an extended period, it’s best to call professionals for help as it poses a serious health hazard to your home.

3. Protect Yourself

Whether you’re handling a spillage by yourself or performing containment measures while waiting for professionals to arrive, make sure to protect yourself. Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots, gloves, eye protection, and a face mask to avoid direct contact with sewage and toxic fumes.

4. Contain the Spill

If possible, contain the spill in one area using sandbags or soil to create a physical barrier around the overflow. Doing so keeps it from spreading to other parts of your house while making it easier to clean up and dispose of properly.

5. Remove Sewage and Contaminated Objects

Use a suitable wet-dry vacuum or pump to remove standing sewage water. As for affected items, porous materials like soft furnishings and carpeting must be thrown away if they cannot be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Wrap them in plastic before transport to avoid dripping contaminated materials throughout your home.

6. Clean and Disinfect Affected Surfaces

After removing the sewage and unsalvageable items, clean all hard surfaces with hot water and heavy-duty cleaners to remove any dirt and contaminants left behind. Finish off by drying the area using fans, dehumidifiers, and natural ventilation to prevent mold and mildew growth.

How To Prevent Future Sewage Spills and Overflows

Sewage problems can cause major headaches and result in costly repairs. Taking these proactive steps helps you ensure your sewer system is functioning properly and keeps your home safe and clean:

• Have your sewer system regularly inspected and maintained to prevent blockages and other issues.
• Consider installing a backwater prevention valve to prevent sewage from returning to your home.
• Ensure everyone in your home knows what shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain to avoid clogs.
• Know whom to contact in the event of a sewage spill.

Reclaim Your Home and Life With Reliable Sewage Removal Solutions

Sewage spills are hazardous and can cause severe health and structural problems if not managed correctly. Following the steps outlined here can help you safely handle a spillage in your home, but if you’re unsure about doing the task yourself or have an extensive spill, it’s best to call professionals for help.

At Restoration 1 of Spokane, we offer reliable sewage cleanup and water damage restoration services to make your home safe and clean again. Our experts use advanced equipment and proven practices for handling sewage and water damage in Spokane to help you reclaim your property, no matter the extent of the spillage.

Contact us today to schedule your cleanup service and get back to living your life.