Sewage Damage Cleanup After A Toilet Overflow

Wastewater from the home are removed from the premises through a network of pipes and drains connected to toilets, sinks and other commodes. This network can keep the home clean and sanitary by keeping sewage at bay and away from human habitat. However, there are cases wherein drainpipes get clogged and cause sewage to backup into the home.

Common occurrence would be from sinks and from the toilet. Aside from being unsanitary, sewage backup can bring along a variety of bacteria and pathogens that can cause diseases and put occupants of a home at risk. In either case, sewage damage cleanup is necessary to prevent further health risks and restore the home back to habitable conditions.

The first thing to consider before engaging in sewage damage cleanup in the toilet is to stem the flow of sewage and prevent it from overflowing into adjacent rooms and create more damage. If sewage is already in the toilet flooring and starts to spread out, block the flow with absorbent cloth or other materials and prevent it from spreading further contamination. Wear protective clothing like gloves and rubber boots before engaging in sewage damage cleanup. Avoid getting sewage to get in contact with the skin. Wear masks to prevent inhalation of the foul fumes coming from the sewage.

Most toilet overflows are caused by clogs in the toilet flange. Most common clogs are excessive toilet paper, hair, soap and other materials that find themselves flushed down the toilet and jammed in the drainpipes. Most clogs can be dislodged by a few pumps from a plunger. More stubborn clogs can be removed with the use of a plumber's snake or a set of toilet auger. The tools are inserted into the bowl through the flange until it reaches the clogged material. The tip is then threaded through the material in an attempt to remove it from the pipes.

Other causes of sewage backup are seepage through cracks or damage to the wax rings. The rings are used to seal the toilet base to the floor. This may require dismantling of the bowl and replacement of the rings. This can be done by plumbers, or if the homeowner is geared for it, he can do it on his own through repair kits available from hardware stores and do-it-yourself shops. Sewage damage cleanup can then commence after the source of the overflow and sewage backup has been controlled.

Sewage damage cleanup can continue with the removal of excess sewage on the floor. Since the drain has been cleared from clogs, excess sewage can be hosed away. Follow through with cleaning up of affected areas by brushing with a strong detergent solution mixed with bleach to act as a disinfecting agent. Ensure that all surfaces that came into contact with the sewage have been cleaned with the solution.

Some of the sewage material could penetrate the grout filler material in between tiles. Grout is porous and is susceptible to absorption of water and other deposits. If this happens, microorganisms are retained in the grout which could result to foul smell being retained in the toilet. This unpleasant smell can be removed by pouring hydrogen peroxide along the grout lines and brushing with a used toothbrush. If the chemical foams, it would indicate the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms. To finalize the sewage damage cleanup, use a good disinfectant to rinse off the grout lines and kill any remnants of bacteria.

A toilet overflow involving sewage is an unpleasant incident in a home. Unless sewage damage cleanup is performed immediately and properly, it can put the home and its occupant at risk.