How to clean up a sewage back up or sewer back up in Baltimore / Washington DC | SI Restoration

 

Author Bio : Jeff Cohn Baltimore Maryland and Washington DC .

I am Jeff Cohn with SI Restoration a water damage restoration company . We are also referred to as a water damage cleanup company . We have been in business since 1989 and have been IICRC certified for water damage clean up or restoration for 30 years. Jeff graduated from the Park School and University of Maryland . Jeff started SI Restoration with his brother Mike Cohn and still own it today . If you have questions on this article or would like a free consultation on your water damage issue in Washington DC or Baltimore Maryland please call him day or night at 410-458-5371 .Note: If you have a mold removal or remediation need and want to talk to a  professional , please call Jeff at 410-458-5371. Please only calls in the Maryland area. 

Introduction : How to clean up a sewage back up in Baltimore Maryland and Washington DC

Homeowners can come home late night to hear a gurgling sound and constant  running of water in their basement. When they go to the basement they see what looks like a flood including toilet paper, feces and other items that may not be distinguishable. At this point many homeowners have no idea what to do when the sewer backs up into flooded basement and feel overwhelmed and confused. Below are some suggestions on what homeowners and property managers can do to solve a Sewer Backup and correctly clean up Sewage Backup

Clean It Yourself

The most obvious choice that homeowners make when seeing sewage damage. Interestingly most homeowners and property managers believe that the sewage and the sewer water are not as serious because the sewage water that is floating in the effected area is just the remains of the occupants. Sewage backups also called raw sewage cleanup can effect property damage and and may actually be toxic sewage .

Sewer backups

A fact is that when a sewer line is backed up, it is the collection of not only the home or tenant space, but the accumulation of other homes sewage in the neighborhood. So when a sewer line backs up in a house or building it is usually a collection of many people's possible diseases and other illnesses.

Sewage backups contain raw sewage that will have additional cleanup costs versus clean water cleanups .

Homeowners do not realize that toxic sewage can come from other Baltimore city residents that will result in property damage in your home.

Baltimore city and other Maryland county government's cleanup programs

Baltimore city for example has their own sewage cleanup program that covers the cost of property damage . This program I believe just covers the cleanup only , not the repairs including handling items contaminated with sewage . Baltimore city expedited reimbursement program related sewage over flows may not cover costs related to property damage .

Baltimore city sewage backup program again also called the reimbursement program , does not have a third party vendor ( those who cleanup sewage backups in Baltimore City ) that Baltimore City third party vendors ( sewage backup cleaners ) to do the work . Baltimore City and other city and county residents must find professionals to assist with Baltimore City residents who have sewage backups first , then find the Baltimore city department that will assist the resident in getting the cost they spent reimbursed .

 

 

Be careful it may not look like sewage

Be advised that although the water may look clean without any signs of a sewage leak, the fact that the water came from a sewer line makes the water damage unhealthy and therefore a sewage damage issue.

Raw sewage is obvious to see and the smell of sewage you can't deny . But many times it doesn't have to be raw sewage , it can be waste water with sewage mixed in that you can't see . It's still contaminated.

Your valuable and invaluable items that were effected by sewage are health issue and are not covered by Baltimore City or other Maryland county sewage and waste water public work programs .

For example Baltimore City public health programs do not cover your perosnl items also called content . Please be careful handling items contaminated by sewage when you cleanup sewage backup situations .

 

Non certified sewage clean up companies

Non-certified sewage Baltimore city cleanup companies often lack the necessary training and expertise to handle the complexities of sewage damage effectively.

These Baltimore city companies might not adhere to the industry standards and protocols required for safe and thorough sewage cleanup.

 

They may not adequately address the health risks posed by sewage borne bacteria, contaminated water, and other microbes present in sewage spills.

Not wearing PPE

Without certification, these companies might not have access to the specialized tools or personal protective equipment needed to safely manage contaminated areas, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful substances for both their workers and property owners.

Non-certified companies might not be well-versed in local and state regulations regarding the disposal of sewage water and contaminated materials. This lack of knowledge can lead to improper disposal practices, potentially resulting in legal repercussions for both the company and the property owner.

Not educated and experienced enough

Companies may also fail to provide comprehensive restoration services, leaving affected areas inadequately cleaned and sanitized, which could lead to lingering odors, unhealthy mold growth, and other complications.

Non-certified basement sewage backups and cleanup company may seem like a cost-effective option initially, but it could result in higher costs in the long run due to incomplete cleanup, potential health risks, and legal issues. Property owners are advised to carefully consider the qualifications and certifications of a basement sewage cleanup and restoration name of company before hiring them to ensure a safe, efficient, and thorough restoration process.

 

Certified sewage clean up companies

Certified sewage cleanup organizations are essential when dealing with the aftermath of a sewage backup or basement flooding. These companies employ trained professionals who understand the complexities of sewage damage and the potential health risks involved.

Sewage cleanup spealized tools

Sewage cleanup companies are equipped with specialized tools and personal protective equipment to safely handle contaminated water, sewage debris, and raw sewage. Certified companies follow strict protocols to ensure that all affected areas are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, minimizing the risk of exposure to sewage borne bacteria and other microbes.

Baltimore sewage cleanup also have the expertise to restore contaminated items and surfaces affected by sewage spills, ensuring that your property is safe and habitable once again.

Moreover, certified sewage cleanup companies are knowledgeable about local and state regulations regarding sewage disposal.

Sewage cleanup can involve legal issues

Baltimore sewage cleanup ensure that all sewage water and contaminated materials are disposed of legally and responsibly, avoiding any potential legal issues for property owners.

Hire a IICRC Certified Company

Choosing certified company, you can have peace of mind knowing that the cleanup and restoration process will be handled professionally and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of unhealthy mold growth and other complications.

Many companies also offer guidance on preventive measures to avoid future sewage backups, helping property owners maintain a safe and healthy environment.

 

Steps to cleaning solutions for sewage backups

Extract the Sewage Water

Address any standing water in the affected area using a wet vac, shop vacuum, or sump pump. It's crucial to wear protective gear, such as rubber boots and rubber gloves, to avoid direct contact with contaminated water and sewage debris.

Remove the sewage water, ensuring that you don't spread contaminated flood waters on to other areas of the property. If the water level is too high or the area is too large, consider hiring professionals with specialized equipment to handle the hot water extraction process safely and efficiently.

When removing the bulk of the sewage water, use a hospital grade detergent or cleaning solution to scrub the surfaces affected by the sewage backup. This step is vital to remove any remaining sewage borne bacteria and other microbes.

 

Disinfection Process

Baltimore sewage cleanup companies with a bleach solution or household bleach to disinfect the area thoroughly, eliminating potential health risks and preventing the growth of unhealthy mold and mold spores. Ensure that all affected areas are properly ventilated to allow fresh air to circulate, helping the space to air dry completely.

Hidden areas of sewage

When the extraction and cleaning are completed, inspect the property for any signs of sewage damage or contaminated items that need further attention. This may include checking electrical outlets for water damage or assessing whether food stored in the basement is safe for consumption.

Dispose of any contaminated clothing or food items that came into contact with the sewage water. By taking these comprehensive steps, you can effectively manage the aftermath of a sewage backup and restore your property to a safe and habitable condition.

 

Remove and Dispose of any Absorbent Materials and Flooring-

With a sewage backup, it's crucial to remove and properly dispose of all sewage-affected materials. This includes any absorbent materials such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and drywall that have come into contact with contaminated water.

Get rid of anything that absorbs

Materials and contaminated clothes can harbor harmful bacteria and mold spores, posing significant health risks. Begin by wearing protective gear to avoid direct contact with contaminated items. Carefully remove these materials and contaminated water from the affected area, ensuring that they are sealed in heavy-duty plastic bags to prevent further contamination during disposal.

Don't save the carpet !

Flooring, especially in a finished basement, it's essential to assess the extent of the damage. Tile and vinyl flooring may be salvageable with thorough cleaning and disinfection, but porous materials like wood and laminate may need to be removed if they have absorbed sewage water.

The same applies to insulation and drywall, which can absorb moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

 

Remember if it absorbs moisture throw it out !

Ensure that all removed materials are disposed of in accordance with local regulations regarding hazardous waste. This not only protects the environment but also prevents any legal issues related to improper disposal of contaminated materials.

Taking these steps, you can effectively mitigate the risks associated with sewage backups and restore your home to a safe and healthy condition.

Disinfection of Sewage Backups IICRC

Disinfection is a step in the cleanup and restoration process following a sewage backup. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) provides guidelines and standards that ensure thorough and effective disinfection of contaminated areas.

Protective gear must be worn !

Standards are designed to protect both the cleanup crew and the occupants of the affected property from health risks associated with contact with sewage borne bacteria and other microbes.

The primary methods used in disinfection is the application of EPA-approved disinfectants that are specifically formulated to neutralize pathogens found in sewage water.

Disinfectants are applied to all surfaces affected by the sewage backup, including floors, walls, and any remaining structural elements. In addition to chemical disinfectants, thermal fogging may be used to eliminate odors and sanitize hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that no trace of contamination remains.

IICRC Certified Clean Up Procedures-

Official guidelines to correctly cleanup sewage backups comes from the IICRC S500 Guidelines . The Guidlines review the above suggestions and go into great detail to correctly clean up sewage backups especially in Baltimore.

IICRC S500 Guidelines

IICRC S500 sewage cleanup guidelines are a set of comprehensive guidelines and standards developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification to ensure the safe and effective cleanup and restoration of properties affected by sewage backups.

IICRC the standard accepted by all Insurance companies and your insurance company.

Procedures cover a wide range of practices, including the initial assessment of the affected area, the removal of sewage water and debris, and the thorough cleaning and disinfection of contaminated surfaces. The guidelines emphasize the importance of using EPA-approved disinfectants and advanced cleaning techniques, such as power washing, to eliminate pathogens and prevent the spread of sewage borne bacteria and other microbes.

The IICRC S500 procedures outline the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required for cleanup professionals to ensure their safety during the process. This includes wearing rubber gloves, rubber boots, respirators, and protective clothing to avoid direct contact with contaminated materials and airborne contaminants.

 

Follow IICRC Standards

Adhering to these detailed procedures, IICRC-certified professionals can provide property owners with peace of mind, knowing that their homes or businesses have been restored to a safe and healthy condition.

Procedures include but not limited to power washing and using disinfectants that are IICRC approved to assure that the effected areas are safe.Baltimore City has a duty to protect the city and residents

Baltimore City and other cities and counties in Maryland

If you believe that your sewage backup is a result of the cities responsibilities please read my advice :

First contact Baltimore City and the Baltimore city department of Sanitary Systems.

Make sure you contact professionals that are IICRC certified . The professionals must give you a report on their cost of work, what property damage there is, determine what has been effected, protect areas that were not effected by sewage, and protect contents that were not effected by sewage.

Due to health issues and cross contamination I don't recommend a non experience non IICRC certified homeowner or person perform the cleanup of sewage . But if you want to clean the sewage and sewage overflow please follow this advice.

Besides IICRC Guidelines , follow EPA suggested sewage guidelines and your local health department guidelines.

Protect yourself so wear gloves, prevent further property damage when working with sewage

Make sure you record all the costs with receipts to show Baltimore city health department .

make sure your plumbing company has cleared the backup in your sewer pipes .

Baltimore Property management companies should also :

Report the issue to the health department

 

 

SI Restoration also offers  

Raw sewage cleanup, Sewage backup cleanups .