How To Clean Up Sewage In Crawl Space

How to Clean Up Sewage in a Crawl Space: 7 Critical Steps

It's an awful experience to find out that your crawl space is covered in sewage. Not only is it hazardous to your health, but it also marks the start of a long and tedious clean-up process. As daunting as the task may seem, however, restoring your crawl space to a safe and healthy environment isn’t as hard as you’d think when you know the right steps.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

The first thing you must do is to locate and turn off the main water source – be it the pipe supplying the toilet, sink or any other source. Depending on the amount of water supply, you’ll also want to make sure that the affected area is dry before beginning to clean up.

If the crawl space has already dried up, you don't need to take this step since the source of the sewage is not water. However, if you find a pool of water and sewage in the crawl space, it's imperative that you turn off the nearby valve so that the water does not spread into other areas.

Step 2: Test for Hazardous Materials

Before entering the crawl space, it is important to test the affected area for the presence of hazardous materials. For your safety, you should try to test for any mold and asbestos in the area. If the sewage is coming from a broken pipe, there is also a chance that hazardous chemicals may be present in the water. If the sewage is from a stagnation issue, there is a risk of raw sewage which can contain a range of disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

At this point, you'll want to contact a hazardous-materials medical professional if the crawl space contains any of the aforementioned hazards. They have the necessary safety gear and expertise to ensure the area is safe for cleaning.

Step 3: Wear Protective Gear

After the hazardous-materials test, it is important to get the right type of protective clothing. Crawl spaces can contain a number of hazardous elements, from dust and volatile organic compounds to fecal matter. A protective mask and suit must be worn during the clean-up process. If there are multiple people working on the job, each should be wearing the same protective gear to reduce cross-contamination.

Once all protective gear is in place, the next step is to take action to start the clean-up process.

Step 4: Remove Any Visible Waste

The next step is to get rid of any visible waste that has accumulated in the crawl space. Depending on the extent of the contamination, this could include anything from clothing and furniture to wood and other materials. All items should be taken out of the crawl space and disposed of, preferably far away from where any contaminants may spread.

In cases where sewage is coming from a broken pipe, it is usually best to avoid touching and handling the pipe directly. During the removal process, any damaged or cracked pipes should be left in place and handled by a certified plumber.

Step 5: Clear Out Debris

The next step is to clear out any debris that could be blocking the sewage and causing it to back up in the crawl space. This includes any items that may be blocking drains and gully plates, or anything that could be blocking drains from the outside of the property.

If the blockage is within the structure of a drainpipe, such as in the case of roots, it is best to hire a plumber to investigate and clear out the pipe. If the source of the blockage is outside the property, it is important to ensure the area is clear before attempting to continue with the clean-up process.

Step 6: Clean and Disinfect the Site

After all the visible waste has been removed from the crawl space, it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. This should include scrubbing down contaminated surfaces with hot water and a bleaching agent (such as chlorine). The entire area should be repeatedly scrubbed until all sewage residue is gone.

In addition, it is important to check for any potential weak spots in the walls or floor of the crawl space. These weak points should be sealed as part of the clean-up process in order to prevent any further sewage seepage into the rest of the property.

Step 7: Stop the Source of Sewage

Finally, it is important to locate and stop the source of the sewage. The source could be anything from a broken pipe to a sewage backflow valve. It is also important to note that these same methods can be used to stop existing sewage problems in a crawl space, such as a broken drainpipe or clogged gully plate.

Once the source has been located, it is important to take action to fix the issue. Depending on the exact problem, this could involve replacing the pipe, fixing the clog or even replacing the entire sewage system. If you need help dealing with the issue, contact a certified plumber or certified water damage restoration specialist.

Take Action to Clean Up Sewage in a Crawl Space

Cleaning up sewage in a crawl space isn’t an easy task, but following these steps can help make the process simpler and more efficient. Because crawl spaces can be a dangerous environment, it is important to make sure the area is tested for hazardous materials before anyone enters. It is also important to wear the proper protective gear during the removal and cleaning process. Finally, make sure to stop the source of the sewage leak once it has been identified.

By following these steps, you can ensure the safety of your home and restore your crawl space to a healthy and clean environment.