Homeowners in Granite City, IL never want to encounter sewage backups in their basements. You might encounter these backups whenever there are heavy rainstorms, or a toilet is flushed. These sewage backups have to be cleaned up immediately as they can cause water damage to your basement and can cause bacteria and mold growth. Here is more information that you need to know about sewage backups in your basement including what causes them, how to properly clean up, and how you should go about getting the problem fixed.
What Causes Sewage Backup?
A sewage backup in your Granite City, IL basement can have a number of potential causes. One of the first big causes of sewage backups is that your sewer line is clogged up. When your main sewer line gets clogged, it will greatly slow down if not stop the passage of the wastewater from your home from making it into the city sewer line. Your sewer line could also be cracked, broken, or damaged, which will also make it harder for the sewage to leave your home, causing backups. These backups can also be caused by heavy rainstorms or flooding. Whenever these storms occur it can sometimes cause the city sewer system to become too flooded to handle anything else, which will cause sewage backups in your basement.
How to Clean Up Your Basement After Sewage Backups
It is important that you work to clean up the mess caused by the sewage backup in your basement as fast as possible. Leaving standing water in your basement can not only create a foul smell, but it can also contribute to bacteria and mold growth, as well as attract pests to your basement. Be sure that when you are cleaning up the sewage backup you wear protective gear. Your primary focus is to get the water out first. Once you get the water dried up you need to see what items are not salvageable and throw them away as needed. You also need to throw away any towels or sheets you used to dry up the water. You need to get rid of any solid matter that showed up in the backup. Use shovels, brooms, and buckets as needed. You will also want to dehumidify your basement to help keep the moisture level down. If you have windows in your basement, crack them open every once in a while, you are cleaning up to get the foul smells out of your basement. The most important thing for you to do after the rest of the cleanup process is to disinfect your basement. Use anything you can to kill all the mold, germs, and mildew from your basement floor, your salvageable belongings, and anything else.
The single best way for you to get your sewage backup problem fixed in your basement in Granite City, IL is to contact a professional local plumber to find and fix the problem. If you are looking for a reputable plumbing service, give our team of experts over at Bailey Sewer and Water a call today!
