Owning a home is a dream come true, offering fulfillment, empowerment, and true independence. But a severe sewage backup can turn that dream upside down, making you long for the simplicity of renting again. When you’re going about your day and, suddenly, a sewage geyser erupts in your basement—the shock, the smell, and the mess can be overwhelming. And beyond the immediate chaos, the financial burden begins to mount, with costs for cleanup, repairs, and potential property value damage..
This isn’t a mess you can handle with regular cleaning supplies; it’s a hazardous situation that needs specialized tools and expertise. When a sewage backup strikes, understanding what caused it, the steps to take, and why professional sewage damage cleanup is essential can help you quickly return to enjoying everything you love about homeownership again.
Why Acting Fast on Sewage Cleanup is Essential
When a sewage backup occurs, acting quickly is crucial for both your health and your property. Here’s why delaying sewage damage cleanup can lead to serious issues:
Health Risks
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that pose real health threats. Exposure to raw sewage can lead to:
- Hepatitis and other infections
- E. coli contamination
- Respiratory issues
- Allergic reactions
The longer sewage remains, the greater the chance of these health problems for anyone in the area.
Mold Growth
Mold thrives in moist conditions, and sewage exposure speeds up the process of mold growth. When it comes to mold growth on your property, it’s important to know that:
- Mold can start growing in just 24-48 hours
- It damages property and introduces additional health risks
- Mold removal becomes more complex and costly the longer it’s left unchecked
Damage to Your Property
Untreated sewage water can weaken your home’s structure:
- Weakening of building materials over time
- Warping or delamination of porous surfaces like wood and drywall
- Potential structural issues or failures
Pest Infestations
As if sewage alone weren’t enough of a problem, delaying sewage cleanup creates an environment attractive to pests:
- Insects and rodents can be drawn to the moisture and organic matter
- This can lead to additional health risks and property damage
Prompt action is crucial when dealing with sewage damage. The risks of delay are numerous and severe, affecting both health and property. It's always recommended to seek professional help immediately to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup.
10 Immediate Steps to Take During a Sewage Backup
When dealing with a sewage backup, quick action is key to protecting your property and your health. Taking these ten easy steps will help you safeguard your home and mitigate the risks associated with sewage damage:
- Stop Using Water: Don’t flush toilets or use sinks or drains, as this will add to the mess.
- Turn Off the Water Supply: Locate your main water valve and turn it off to prevent more water from flowing in.
- Protect Yourself: Wear gloves, boots, and eye protection before going near the affected area.
- Clear the Area: Keep family members and pets away from contaminated spaces if possible.
- Ventilate the Space: Open windows to allow fresh air in and reduce odors.
- Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of affected areas for insurance.
- Move Valuables: Relocate items that are at risk of being damaged by sewage if it’s safe to do so.
- Turn Off Power if Needed: If water is near outlets, cut power at the breaker.
- Call a Professional: Contact a sewage restoration professional immediately for safe removal.
- Notify Your Insurance: Reach out to your insurance company to report the incident.
Though it may be tempting to try to remove the sewage damage yourself, skip the DIY cleanup—professional help is essential for thorough sanitation and safe restoration.
5 Reasons Sewage Restoration Should Always Be Left to Professionals
Professional sewage cleanup is key to protecting your health, home, and wallet. The harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi that sewage water harbors require the right tools and expertise to remove fully. Here’s why calling in the pros matters:
- Professionals use industrial-grade tools and protective gear to handle harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi safely, eliminating health risks that household cleaners can’t address.
- Pros have powerful extraction pumps, HEPA vacuums, and advanced sanitizers that thoroughly clean and disinfect affected areas, ensuring no contaminants are left behind.
- Specialized structural drying and dehumidification equipment used by professional restoration companies prevents structural weakening, mold growth, and contamination spread—something standard fans and cleaners just can’t do.
- Certified experts safely handle and dispose of biohazardous materials in accordance with regulations, something regular trash pickup won’t cover.
- Many insurance policies require certified cleanup for sewage damage, and a professional sewage restoration company will meet these standards to keep you compliant and covered.
Don’t get your hands dirty and risk your health—choosing professional sewage restoration ensures a safer, cleaner home. Contact Property Restoration Solutions today for expert cleanup and complete peace of mind. Let our team handle the tough work so you don’t have to.
Trust Property Restoration Solutions in Peyton, CO, to Restore Your Home & Peace of Mind
When sewage backups, flooding, fire, mold, or storm damage threaten your home, Property Restoration Solutions, headquartered in Peyton, CO, is here with reliable, thorough cleanup and restoration services. For 25+ years, we’ve been helping home and business owners in El Paso County, Teller County, Douglas County, and beyond put their lives back together after disaster. For 24/7 emergency restoration from an empathetic, experienced team, call Property Restoration Solutions at 719-650-5895 today.
