9 Things Homeowners Should Do After Sewage Backup

When your septic system gets damaged and overflows, sewage backup can take place. The same consequence happens when a city sewer line gets clogged. Either reason, you’ll need help from a water removal company, Atlanta, Georgia to address the issue and make your property is water damage- and contaminant-free.

The Dangers Of Sewage Water

Considered as a Category 3 water or black water, sewage is composed of water and household waste. It contains harmful microorganisms and disease-causing pathogens. Furthermore, the gases they emit aren’t only foul-smelling — they can also be a health hazard to anyone who will be exposed to them for a long time.

What You Need To Do After A Sewage Backup

When your home experiences a sewage backup, you should never attempt unclogging any drains unless the sewage water has been removed. Instead, here’s what you need to do:

Evacuate elders and kids from your house. As mentioned, sewage water is a health hazard. So if you have kids and elders in your household — or anyone who is immunocompromised — you should evacuate them from your home. You should also temporarily take away pets to make cleaning and restoring more efficient.

Get in touch with your utility company. This is especially crucial if the sewage water has affected electrical outlets and/or gas furnaces. You should immediately ask your utility company to turn gas and electricity services off.

Call a water removal and restoration company. Hiring the services offered by a water removal company, Atlanta, Georgia will help you handle things more cost-effectively. They have the knowledge, the experience, and the tools to help them inspect your home, remove sewage water, and repair any damage accordingly.

Wear protective gear. Until help arrives, make sure you protect yourself by wearing boots, rubber gloves, and a face mask. This will help you safely do the next three bullets.

Ventilate the area. To help get rid of the foul odor and to aid in drying the area, you should ventilate your home by opening doors and windows.

Remove any items you can safely remove. Dry and uncontaminated belongings should be removed to prevent the scope of sewage water damage from expanding and worsening. You should especially look after important and valuable belongings or documents.

Document your situation. Though a sewage backup can cause you to panic or get stressed out and overwhelmed, you have to focus and remember to document your situation. Take photos of the affected area and damaged items — this will help you file an insurance claim more conveniently.

Contact your insurance provider. Did you know that a water removal company, Atlanta, Georgia can help you with dealing with your insurance provider? Their experience in the field makes them capable of helping their customers receive the settlement they deserve for the damaged property.

Take a shower after the cleanup. After everything has been cleaned up and restored to normal, make sure to take a hot shower and clean your body using antibacterial soap. This will help you relax and more importantly, get rid of any harmful microorganisms you may have acquired during the sewage backup.

D.O.N.E ATL is the #1 water removal company, Atlanta, Georgia. If you need the help of professionals to clean up your home or business following water damage. Contact us today!