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 come home late night to hear a gurgling sound and water running in the 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 recognizable. At this point many homeowners have no idea what to do when the sewer backs up into the 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 clean up a Backup or flooded basement. Tracking sewage debris can be tricky .

Clean It Yourself

The first choice most homeowners make when they see " poop " damage. Most homeowners and property managers believe the sewage and the sewer water is not that serious because the raw sewage still floating in the affected area is just the remains of the occupants. Poop backups also called raw sewage cleanup can cause property damage and may be toxic poop or raw sewage cleanup in Baltimore and Washington DC .

Sewer backupsA 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 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.

Sewer backups contain the following :

Contaminated debris, airborne contaminants, solid waste and serious illnesses

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 to sewage spills and 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 and sewer 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 water damage issue.

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

Your valuable and invaluable items that were effected by sewage and or water damage 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 personal items also called content . Please be careful handling items in contaminated water or by sewage when you cleanup sewage backup situations and or water damage .

Not wearing PPEWithout 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 managers .

Non-certified companies might not be well-versed in local and state regulations regarding the disposal of sewage 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 managers.

Not educated and experienced enough

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

Non-certified, basement sewage cleanup and backups and or water damage 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 managers are advised to carefully consider the qualifications and certifications of a the basement sewage backups cleanup and restoration name of company before hiring them to ensure a safe, efficient, and thorough restoration process.

Some non certified water damage companies use only chlorine bleach to cleanup sewer backups . They ignore or do not understand the following serious issues:

Mild detergents don't always work

Antibacterial soap doesn't always work

Tree roots maybe the cause of the damage

Canned food can not be saved in sewer backups.

They must wear puncture resistant boots in sewer backups

Serious illnesses can be caught

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 specialized tools

Sewage cleanup companies are equipped with specialized tools and personal protective equipment to safely handle contaminated water, sewage , and raw sewage. Certified companies follow strict protocols to ensure that all areas are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, minimizing the risk of exposure to sewage 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 and contaminated materials are disposed of legally and responsibly, avoiding any potential legal issues for property owners.

Hire a IICRC Certified CompanyChoosing a certified company, you can rest assured that the cleanup and restoration process will be done right the first time, minimizing the chance of mold growth and other issues.

Many companies also offer guidance on how to prevent future sewage backups, so you can maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Steps to cleaning solutions for sewage backups

Extract the Sewage

Use a wet vac, shop vacuum, or sump pump to remove any standing water in the affected area. Make sure to wear rubber boots and rubber gloves to avoid direct contact with contaminated water and sewage.

Remove the sewage and standing water without tracking sewage debris onto other parts of the property. If the gallon of water is too high or the area is too large, consider hiring professionals with the right equipment to extract the water safely and efficiently.

Be sure your sump pump doesn't have containment in the system to create issues .

Disinfection Process

Baltimore sewage cleanup companies use a bleach solution or household bleach to disinfect the in air dry the area, eliminating health risks and preventing mold growth and mold spores. Make sure all affected areas are ventilated so fresh air can circulate and the space can dry completely.

Hidden areas of sewage

After extraction and cleaning is complete, inspect the property for any signs of sewage damage or contaminated water trap other items that need attention. This may include checking electrical outlets for water damage or whether food stored in the basement is safe to eat.

Get rid of any contaminated clothing or food items that came into contact with the sewage. By following these steps, you can manage the aftermath of a sewage backup and get your property back to normal.

Remove and Dispose of any Absorbent Materials and Flooring-

With a sewage backup, you need to remove and dispose of all sewage-affected materials. This includes any absorbent materials such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and drywall that came into contact with contaminated water.

Get rid of anything that absorbs

Materials and water absorb as clothes can harbor bacteria and mold spores, pose serious health risks. Start by wearing protective gear to avoid direct contact with contaminated items. Remove these materials contaminated clothes and water from the affected area, making sure they are sealed in heavy-duty plastic bags to prevent further contamination during disposal.

Don't save the carpet !Flooring in a finished basement, especially, you need to assess the damage. Tile and vinyl flooring may be salvageable with cleaning and disinfection but porous materials like wood and laminate may need to be removed if they have absorbed sewage water.

Same goes to insulation and drywall which can absorb moisture and become breeding ground for mold.

If it absorbs moisture throw it out !

Make sure all removed materials are disposed according to local regulations for hazardous waste. Not only it protects the environment but also prevent any legal issues with improper disposal of contaminated materials.

Disinfection for Sewage Backups IICRC

Disinfection is a step in the cleaning and restoration process after a sewage backup. IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) has guidelines and standards to ensure thorough and effective disinfection of affected areas.

Wear protective gear !

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

Method 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, floors, walls and any remaining structural elements. In addition to chemical disinfectant, thermal fogging may be used to eliminate odors and sanitize hard to reach areas, to ensure no trace of contamination remains.

IICRC Clean Up Procedures-

Official guidelines to clean up sewage backups comes from the IICRC S500 Guidelines . The Guidelines review the above and goes into details to clean up sewage backups in Baltimore.

IICRC S500 Guidelines

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

Follow IICRC Standards

By following these procedures, IICRC certified professionals can give property owners piece of mind 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 ensure affected areas are safe.Baltimore City has a duty to protect the city and residents

Baltimore City and other cities and counties in MarylandIf you think your sewage backup is due to the city’s responsibility please read my advise :

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

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

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 hot water or with sewage

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

Call Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company has decades of experience working with sewage clean up restoration companies like SI Restoration . You should call SI Restoration in the Baltimore Washington area at 410-458-5371 day or night for free consultation and a free estimate .