The 4 Stages of Sewer Damage Cleanup

4/18/2019 (Permalink)

Mitigation experts may recommend increasing ventilation with air movers

Four Stages of Cleaning a Sewer Backup at a Commercial Property

Sewer cleanup procedures are intended to prevent building occupants from coming into contact with sewage or contaminants. It can take several hours for mitigation professionals to eliminate damage and a few days for the affected area to dry. Learn more about the four stages of cleaning a sewer backup at a commercial property in Colorado Springs, CO.

1. Extraction

Removing standing water and solid waste is the most critical stage of cleanup. The longer Category Three water is left standing, the higher the risk for severe primary and secondary damage to building materials and contents. It is ideal to extract water within hours of a backup.

2. Tearing Out Damage

Porous building materials and contents can sustain irreparable damage from exposure to waste water. Carpet, drywall, insulation and even ceilings beneath areas that experience a major sewer backup may need to be torn out and replaced. Sewer cleanup experts will tear out ruined materials prior to cleaning and disinfecting the area to prevent recontamination.

3. Cleaning and Disinfection

After standing water and damaged materials have been removed, the area exposed to contaminated water should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This step is critical for reducing contagion and mold risks.

4. Drying

The affected area must be completely dry before restoration can proceed. Any residual moisture in a structure when rebuilding starts can increase the risk of mold growth. Mitigation experts may recommend increasing ventilation with air movers or fans and running a dehumidifier.

These are the major stages of a sewer cleanup. Depending on the severity of damage caused by a flooded toilet or sewer backup at a building in Colorado Springs, CO, it may take damage mitigation experts several days to progress through all of these stages. Non-professionals may not be able to work as quickly or eliminate every trace of contamination that could continue to support bacteria or mold growth.