How Do I Clean My Basement Flood After Sewer Backup?

If your home experiences a sewer backup, the last thing you want to do is try to clean it up yourself. This can be a dangerous and difficult job, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.

To help you understand what an undertaking this is, In this guide, we will walk you through the process of cleaning up a basement flood caused by a sewer backup. We will provide tips on how to safely remove water and sewage from your home and how to disinfect and sanitize your basement afterward. Let’s get started.

What Causes Sewer Backups?

There are several things that can cause a sewer backup:

  • Clogged drains - If your drains are clogged, the water in them will not be able to flow out freely. Instead, it will back up into your house and flood basements or bathrooms.
  • Tree roots - Tree roots can grow into pipes and block off sewage from flowing through properly.
  • Broken pipes - If a pipe in your sewer system breaks, the sewage will flow out into your yard or street instead of going to the treatment plant.
  • Heavy rains - When it rains heavily, the sewers can get overwhelmed and cause backups.

Now that we’ve covered what can cause sewer backups, let’s talk about how to clean them up safely.

How Do I Clean My Basement Flood After Sewer Backup?

Before you begin cleaning up the flood in your basement, there are several things that need to be done first. The most important thing is making sure that everyone is safe and out of harm’s way. 

If you have high levels of flooding in your basement, here are the steps to take when assessing the damage after a significant sewer backup.

Step 1:
Assess the danger

If your basement has flooded with sewage, then there is a good chance that there are dangerous bacteria and viruses present in the water. You should not go into this water unless you have protective gear on and know what you’re doing. When in doubt, call a professional.

Step 2:
Check for gas leaks

Many basements have natural gas lines running through them. If these lines are damaged during the flood, there could be a gas leak. If you smell gas in your basement, turn off the main valve and leave the house immediately. Do not try to fix the leak yourself – call a professional.

Step 3:
Turn off the power

If there is water present in your basement, there is a good chance that the power is turned off. If it is not, you should turn it off until the water is removed.

Step 4: Disconnect appliances

If your basement has flooded, it’s a good idea to disconnect all of your appliances until they can be cleaned and inspected. This includes your washer, dryer, refrigerator, and freezer.

Step 5:
Move valuable items out of the basement

If your basement flooding is severe, then you may want to move all of your valuable items out of the basement. This includes furniture, bookshelves, and anything else that could get damaged by water or mold growth.

If your sewage flooding is minimal, here are the steps for cleaning a basement after a sewage backup:

Step 1:
Remove any materials that might have been contaminated

Any materials that have been in contact with sewage or sewage-contaminated water need to be removed immediately. Porous materials like carpeting, curtains, fabrics, furniture, and drywall may need to be thrown out.

Step 2:
Cleaning up standing water/sewage

This is the dangerous part when professional help is highly recommended. If you insist on doing it yourself, you must wear impermeable protective clothing that you can throw in the trash when finished. This step consists of mopping up and draining out any sewage in the space. 

Step 3:
Disinfection

Any hard surfaces that are leftover need to be disinfected thoroughly. This includes things like walls, tile or stone floors, metal or plastic tables, chairs, etc. A sewage disinfectant is needed for this step to make sure all of the bacteria is killed off. If you call in professionals, they will have the proper tools and materials for this process.

Step 4:
Drying

After everything is cleaned, it is essential to dry everything quickly. Multiple fans and dehumidifiers will help speed this process up, along with the opening of windows and doors to promote airflow through the room. If the room is left with too much moisture for too long, then you will soon have a mold problem on your hands on top of everything.

Why Your House Smells Like Sewer When it Rains

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics for cleaning up a sewer backup, let’s talk about why your house smells like sewage when it rains.

When it rains, the excess water flows into the sewers and mixes with all of the sewage that is already there. This mixture of water and sewage then overflows into our yards, streets, and basements.

It’s never fun to live in a house with an annoying sewer smell. The reasons for it and how you can get rid of that pesky stench will be discussed below, so keep reading.

  • Bacteria and Decomposing Waste - One of the main reasons that your house smells like sewage when it rains is because there are bacteria and decomposing waste in the pipes. This can cause an unpleasant odor to waft up through drains or toilets, especially if they haven't been cleaned recently.
  • Dirty Water from Your Sink/Shower Drains - Another reason for the sewer smell is dirty water from your sink or shower drains. This water can mix with the rainwater and create a nasty stench. Carry wastewater from your home's toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry machines outside, where it will evaporate into the atmosphere.
  • Dried-Out Water Barrier In Your Basement - Another reason for the sewer smell is a dried-out water barrier in your basement. If this happens, it can cause a bad smell to travel up through drains or toilets.

How to Get Rid of Sewer Smell in House When It Rains?

There are a few things that you can do to get rid of the sewer smell in your house when it rains. The most important thing is to keep your drains and pipes clean.

Here are some solutions:

Solution #1: Pour bleach down your drains

One way to kill the bacteria and get rid of the smell is by pouring bleach down the drains. This will sanitize them and leave a fresh smell behind. Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a face mask when handling bleach or any other chemicals.

Solution #2: Clean with baking soda and vinegar

Another way to get rid of the sewer smell in your house is by cleaning it with baking soda and vinegar. Pour some into a bowl or bucket, then pour that mixture down all of your drains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.

Solution #3: Use an enzyme cleaner

If you have a stubborn sewer smell in your house, you can use an enzyme cleaner to get rid of it. These cleaners are specifically designed to break down organic material and bacteria, so they will take care of the fresh air that’s trapped inside.

Solution #4: Try a commercial odor eliminator

If none of the above solutions seem to be working, you can try a commercial odor eliminator. These products are designed to get rid of unpleasant smells and work well with most surfaces.

Sewer Backup Prevention Tips

Now that you know how to handle a sewer backup, it’s important to learn how to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for avoiding a sewage disaster:

  • Keep an eye on the weather conditions and be prepared for heavy rains.
  • Make sure that your gutters are clear and drainage is flowing properly.
  • Inspect your home for any leaks or cracks in the foundation.
  • Don't pour grease down the drain, as it can cause clogs.
  • Don't flush any items down the toilet that aren't supposed to be flushed (including wipes, diapers, and paper towels).
  • Regularly clean your drains and toilets with a disinfectant cleaner.
  • Have your septic system inspected and pumped on a regular basis.
  • If you have a pet, make sure to keep their litter box clean and free of urine and feces.
  • Make sure your water heater is set to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

How do you clean a concrete basement floor after a flood?

Flooded basement floors can be cleaned with a bleach solution or detergent and water mixture. It’s important to use caution when handling dangerous chemicals, such as bleach.

Make sure that you wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, boots, and long-sleeved clothes while cleaning up any standing water in your basement. Raw sewage should not be cleaned up by hand; instead, hire professional help to take care of it.

2

How much does it cost to clean up after a sewer backup?

The cost of cleaning up after a sewage or septic backup depends on many factors, including the type of system you have and the amount of damage that has occurred.

A professional plumber can provide an estimate based on these factors as well as any other relevant information, such as water pressure in your area. Sewer line repairs can be expensive, so it’s best to take preventive measures to avoid a backup in the first place.

3

Should I hire a professional to clean up after a sewer backup?

Yes, it is usually best to hire a professional to clean up after a sewage backup. They will have the experience and knowledge needed to properly disinfect and decontaminate the affected area.

Not only will this help get rid of any unpleasant smells, but it can also prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Floodwaters can be dangerous, so it’s always best to take caution and let the professionals handle the cleanup.

4

What should I do if my home has flooded from a sewer backup?

If your home has flooded as the result of a sewer backup, it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from potential health risks. Make sure that you avoid coming into contact with any standing water, as it may contain harmful bacteria and viruses. Also, be sure to keep children and pets away from the area until it has been properly cleaned and disinfected. 

A sewer backup can be a serious and costly problem, but there are many things you can do to prevent them from happening in the first place. Follow these tips for avoiding a sewage disaster and make sure to keep an eye on the weather conditions during storms. You may also need to consider storm drain cleaning to prevent backups. 

If your home does end up flooding as a result of a sewer backup, take the necessary steps to protect your family. Sewage backups can be dangerous, so make sure that you let the professionals handle any sewage cleanup tasks.