4 Must-Do Tasks When There’s a Sewage Backup in Your Bathtub

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Sewer backup in a Belton, MO bathroom

Prevent Further Damage in Your Home From Sewage Backup

When a sewer backup occurs and there is sewage in your bathtub, it is important not only to clean it up as soon as possible but also prevent it from happening again. If the backup is minor and has happened recently, you can attempt to clean it yourself. However, major backups will generally require professional help and you should not attempt to unclog them. If you wish to tackle the backup yourself, here are four things that you should do immediately to prevent further damage in your Belton, MO, home.

1. Use Proper Safety Equipment

Before you even enter the bathroom, ensure that you have the appropriate safety gear, such as a face mask, eye protection and rubber gloves. It is important that your skin does not come in direct contact with the wastewater from the sewer backup.

2. Remove the Water

Do your best to remove the standing water from the tub to prevent it from leaking and flooding other parts of your house. If the water is deep, you may need a pump. If it isn’t very deep, a wet-dry vacuum is all you may need to clean up the bathtub backup.

3. Remove and Clean Any Saturated Items

Remove anything that has been touched by the wastewater immediately. Some items, such as carpets and saturated baseboards, will need to be replaced and may require water damage repair. Items such as clothing and anything that can be easily cleaned should be sanitized as soon as possible.

4. Open Windows and Allow Sun Inside

Once the water and waste is handled, open your windows and blinds to allow airflow and sun to dry things out. If there was any flooding, sunlight can help to stop the growth of bacteria and reduce humidity.

A sewer backup in your home can be disastrous. However, damage can be prevented as long as you follow these steps or you contact a professional if further help is needed.