How to Protect Your Family After a Sewage Backup
When sewage backs up into a home, the first thing to think about is the people in it, not the property. Contaminated water is a health hazard, and the most useful thing you can do is keep everyone away from it until a professional arrives. If a backup has happened, arrange sewage cleanup and keep the area closed off meanwhile.
- ✓ Written for New York homeowners
- ✓ Visit first, then a plan
- ✓ Call to arrange a visit
This guide gives simple protective steps in general terms. It offers no health advice beyond avoiding contact, and no DIY cleanup advice of any kind.
Keep everyone away from the water
Close the door to the affected room or area, and keep children and pets out of it. Children in particular may not understand why the water is dangerous, so a closed door matters more than an explanation.
Do not let anyone walk through contaminated water to fetch belongings. Whatever is in the room can wait until the area has been dealt with.
Do not enter contaminated water
Do not wade into sewage or floodwater, even in boots, and do not touch it with bare hands. If water is near electrics, stay out of the room entirely and call for help.
If you can shut off the water supply safely from a dry place, that is sensible. Never wade in to do it.
What to do while you wait for help
While waiting, keep the area closed off, avoid using toilets, sinks and appliances that drain into the affected pipes, and note what happened and when, in case it is useful later.
If the backup is still flowing, the priority is stopping the flow if it can be done safely from dry ground, and otherwise keeping everyone clear.
After the professional visit
After cleanup, the area needs drying and a check for mold in general terms. Structural drying and dehumidification is often part of that stage, because damp left behind can lead to further problems.
No promise is made about when it is safe to use the area again. That judgement belongs to the professionals on site, and the same protective steps apply in Yonkers as anywhere else.
Key Takeaways
- Close the door to the affected room or area, and keep children and pets out of it.
- Do not wade into sewage or floodwater, even in boots, and do not touch it with bare hands.
- While waiting, keep the area closed off, avoid using toilets, sinks and appliances that drain into the affected pipes, and note what happened and when, in case it is useful later.
- After cleanup, the area needs drying and a check for mold in general terms.
Ready for the Next Step?
Call to arrange a water damage visit in New York. Describe what you found and we will talk through the next step.
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