Sewage Cleanup

Sewage damage is considered the most hazardous type of water cleanup due to the high risk of blood-borne pathogens and other contaminants. Below are essential instructions for safely handling sewage cleanup. It is strongly recommended that technicians undergo a certification course, such as IICRC Water Restoration Tech (WRT), before attempting this kind of cleanup.

Sewage Damage Cleanup Recommendations:

Here are the steps to ensure effective and safe sewage cleanup:

1. Evacuation: Advise all occupants to evacuate the area to prevent exposure to harmful substances.
2. Hazard Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the area for potential hazards, including electrical risks or other safety and health hazards.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure each technician is equipped with appropriate PPE, including Tyvek coveralls, exam gloves, leather gloves, goggles, respirators, and rubber boots.
4. Source Management: Identify, repair, or eliminate the source of the sewage to stop further damage.
5. Containment Setup: Establish containment to prevent secondary damage to unaffected areas of the property.
6. Water and Sewage Removal: Pump out the water and sewage, adhering to any local disposal restrictions.
7. Material Assessment: Decide whether materials can be decontaminated or must be removed and replaced.
8. System Checks: Inspect other systems, such as HVAC, for any damage, and assess needed cleaning and repairs.
9. Initial Cleaning: Apply PRS Water Damage PreClean using a pump-up sprayer or ULV fogger to all affected areas to combat dangerous bacteria.
10. Material Removal: Carefully remove all unsalvageable materials like carpet, pad, and drywall to avoid cross-contamination.
11. Drying Process: Dry the area according to the requirements outlined in drying Category 3 water damage.
12. Post-Cleanup Treatment: Thoroughly clean and treat all salvageable items and surfaces with PRS Water Damage Post Clean after drying.
13. Preventative Measures: Apply a preventative coating to hard surfaces such as subflooring, joists, and studs.
14. Restoration and Reinstallation: Repair and reinstall cleaned and sealed items and areas.

Need more help?

For additional assistance or help choosing the right products for sewage damage cleanup, call a Jon-Don restoration expert at 1-800-556-6366.