Damage Control After a Sewage Backup

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

After a Sewage Backup, Damage Control

Have you had a sewer backup after a storm in Burlington, MA? You may want to take care of the problem on your own, but this type of water damage requires the knowledge of a storm damage cleanup expert. If the professionals can't get there right away, you may need to start on the damage control on your own.

1. Remove Contents

Sewage soaked flooring, furniture and other content items should be thrown out as soon as possible. However, you can even remove undamaged items from your home to ensure they remain in good condition. If you leave your belongings in the home, the flooding damage may spread throughout all of your possessions.

2. Stop the Water

You can't always stop a sewer backup because it may be caused by excess rain. In some cases, however, you may be able to turn off the water to your home to stop the contaminated water from spreading into your space.

3. Air Out the Space

A bathtub backup can introduce a bad smell to your home. You can help control this odor by opening windows throughout the residence. Not only will this allow fresh air into your home, but it can also slow down mold growth because it reduces humidity and lets in sunlight.

4. Turn Off the HVAC

Whenever possible, you should turn off your HVAC system. This helps stop the spread of bacteria and other contaminants throughout your house. If you leave the HVAC on, the moving air can carry the spores and pollutants to the far reaches of your home.

5. Call for Help

Most sewage backups need to be addressed by a trained professional who can properly clean up after the flooding. Calling in a cleanup crew as soon as possible can help you reduce the amount of damage done to your house.

A sewer backup may be caused by faulty plumbing or bad weather. No matter the cause of your backup, taking quick actions can help you tackle damage control.