If your home is in Snohomish, there’s a good chance that unmistakable foul odor permeating from beneath your house is a telltale sign of trouble lurking in the crawl space. In almost all situations, a broken sewer is to blame and demands immediate attention. If you’re not sure how to clean up sewage in a crawl space, you’re in for a rough ride.
Raw sewage is disgusting and dangerous. It contains pathogens and parasites that can migrate up into your home, causing illnesses and aggravating allergies or respiratory conditions. Moreover, it also causes severe structural damage to your home’s foundation and walls.
Cleaning up sewage is not always a quick fix. Even the best plumber Snohomish has to offer may not be enough. You can tackle the task yourself, but if you doubt your ability to handle it effectively, an industry-certified professional cleanup crew is often your best bet.
We have prepared a multi-step process to help you remove sewage in the crawl space and ensure the area is clean, dry, and sanitized to eliminate odors, mold, and contaminants.
Basic Supplies You Will Need
Cleaning up sewage is a hazardous job. Before you enter the crawl space, you need to have the right protective gear and supplies to clean up the mess. Here is a list of basic supplies you will need for this job:
- Rubber work boots
- Vinyl gloves
- OSHA-approved respirator
- Protection glasses
- Water-resistant coverall
- Shop vac or submersible pump
- Buckets
- Drying equipment
- Shovel
- Plastic sheeting
- Powdered lime
- Heavy-duty plastic bags
- Powdered
- Bleach
Protecting yourself and others from exposure to the contaminants in sewage is of utmost importance. So before you start cleaning, suit up the proper gear and ventilate the area to protect yourself from the fumes. Now you are ready to start cleaning up sewage. Follow these steps:
How to Clean Up Sewage In a Crawl Space
Step 1: Secure the crawl space opening
Before entering the crawl space, ensure that the opening is properly secured to prevent any unauthorized access or further contamination. Ensure that kids and pets are safely confined within your house under someone’s watchful eye to prevent them from trailing behind you.
Step 2: Clear the area
Remove any items or obstacles from the crawl space, such as furniture, storage boxes, or debris. This will create a clear working environment and allow you to assess the extent of the damage accurately. If the sewage has contaminated the items, you can disinfect nonporous items by soaking them in a chlorine bleach solution before rinsing thoroughly and drying them outside. For porous items, bag them securely and discard them.
Step 3: Identify and fix the issue
Identify the source of the sewage backup and address the underlying issue to prevent future occurrences. It could be a broken sewage line, a malfunctioning pump, or other plumbing-related problems. If necessary, enlist the help of a professional plumber to inspect and repair the damaged components. Finding a plumber in Snohomish County is easy – simply search “plumber near me” for a list of local plumbers. Or ask your friends and family for recommendations.
You must ensure the problem is solved before investing time and effort into the cleanup process. You wouldn’t want to go through the hassle of cleaning up only to have the same mess reoccur.
Step 4: Extract dirt water
Using a submersible pump, remove the dirty water from the crawl space. Start from the lowest point and work your way towards the exit, ensuring thorough extraction. For minor spills, a shop vac is usually sufficient. Dispose of the extracted water in accordance with local regulations and guidelines. Exercise caution when using electrical devices in damp environments. Cut off the power to the area before beginning any work and only use equipment rated for wet locations.
Step 5: Remove solid sewage
Carefully scoop up and remove any solid sewage present in the crawl space. Use a sturdy shovel or scooping tool, and place the waste into heavy-duty garbage bags. Double-bag the waste to minimize odor and prevent leaks or use heavy-duty plastic bags. Dumpster rentals or a professional waste removal service may also be necessary for large-scale sewage cleanup projects.
Step 6: Use drying equipment
Repairing and removing the sewage is not enough because you are left with a dump and wet environment. If you leave the space in that condition, it becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, not to mention the terrible smell and risk of structural damage.
To accelerate the drying process and prevent mold growth:
- Remove any pre-existing plastic sheets that were installed to control odor.
- Set up a combination of fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers.
- Position the equipment strategically to ensure maximum air circulation and expedite the drying process.
- Monitor humidity levels regularly and adjust the equipment as needed.
Drying may take several days or weeks.
Step 7: Disinfect the area
Once the area is dry, thoroughly clean and sanitize the crawl space. Scrub the surfaces, walls, and floors with a mixture of water and bleach or a specialized antimicrobial cleaner. Pay extra attention to corners, cracks, and crevices where bacteria and odor can linger.
Apply lime or antimicrobial solution to the crawl space soil to eliminate any remaining contaminants and reduce moisture. Lime also helps neutralize odors and discourages rodents from entering the space.
Step 8: Repair damaged materials
Inspect the crawl space for any damaged materials, such as insulation, drywall, or wood joists. Replace or repair any affected components to restore the crawl space’s structural integrity and insulation properties. Seal all cracks and crevices with caulk or expanding foam insulation to keep out rodents, insects, and outside debris
Step 9: Ventilate the area
Ventilation is essential to ensure proper air circulation and prevent the buildup of moisture, mold, and bacteria in the crawl space. Install vents at both ends of the crawl space to allow fresh air to enter and stale air to escape.
Wrapping Up
Cleaning up sewage in a crawl space is a demanding task, but with these 9 detailed steps, you can effectively mitigate the damage and restore a safe environment. Always prioritize your safety by wearing appropriate protective gear throughout the cleanup process.
If the task seems overwhelming or you lack the necessary expertise, seek assistance from professionals specializing in sewage cleanup and crawl space maintenance. Call us right away if you need help with any issues in the crawl space. We will restore your home to its previous condition or make it even better.