How to Clean Up Sewage in Basement

If your basement has a sewage backup, you are going to have to do more than clean it up. You’ll also have to sanitize it and take precautions to avoid exposure to toxins, bacteria, and parasites. Sewage backups can happen in any area of your home, so you’ll want to make sure you take the right steps to get rid of them safely.

First, you should pour boiling water down the drain, followed by 1/2 cups baking soda or vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before flushing it away. Then, do a final flush with boiling water. You may also want to dispose of any contaminated items that you can’t remove. You can also dispose of contaminated furniture and carpet with a wet/dry vacuum or pump. If you’ve already removed some of the sewage from the area, you can use a broom and dustpan to clean up any solids on the floor. For the walls, fill one bucket with a disinfectant cleaning solution and another one with clear water. With rags, wash the walls with the solution. Start in the farthest corner of the room from the door.

To clean up sewage in the basement, follow a few steps. Ensure that all drains are clear of any blockages. If you have a sink in your basement, avoid using it until you have cleaned the sewage from the sink. Occasionally, a main line clog can cause a sewer backup in your basement. In this case, you should check the location of your home’s sewer clean out. If the clean out is inaccessible, you can always hire a plumber to scope the pipes.

First, make sure you wear protective gear. Wear gloves and boots to protect yourself from potentially hazardous toxins. Wear a face mask and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and mouth. Wear a mask and goggles to protect your eyes from septic contamination. After removing the trash, you can clean the clothing and canned goods. Clean furniture and walls as well. Remember to take photos to document your process. If possible, hire a professional to clean the area.

If you suspect a sewage backup, take action immediately. This is especially important if it happens at night or when you’re at work. Sewage can carry dangerous bacteria, including bacteria that can cause sickness. Additionally, sewer gas is a foul mix of toxic fumes. It’s hard to imagine a sewer line backup causing these fumes. If you have a basement, ensure that it has good ventilation.

Before you start cleaning, you should also take steps to avoid further contamination. The sewage may smell worse than normal, but this lingering odor can be easily removed. First, pour a gallon of water into the basement floor drain. Pour bleach in the water to kill the bacteria responsible for the smell. You can also use scented cleaners to cover the smell. Then, continue to flush the drain with water, letting it dissipate the smell.