How Do You Get Rid Of Raw Sewage In A Crawl Space?

 

Most homeowners don’t think about spilled sewer in the crawl spaces under their homes.

However, things sometimes go wrong, and pipes snap or break. Then, they’re left with nasty, disgusting, and smelly messes.

Raw sewage is chock full of parasites and pathogens that can aggravate respiratory systems and cause people to fall ill. Therefore, because the substance can impact health, it is in your best interest to get rid of the sewage in a crawl space promptly.

That isn’t the only reason to take care of these situations quickly, though. Moisture under the house can cause mold to grow. People and mold don’t always get along because some individuals have mold allergies. They typically produce minor symptoms such as wheezing, headache, and cough to arise. Additionally, if the sewage is left as-is, boards can rot, threatening the structural integrity of the building.

The point is that you should get rid of the sewage in your crawl space to prevent it from causing you grief in the short and long term. Often, homeowners leave these duties up to professionals. That doesn’t have to be the case, though. Those interested can use these tips to take a DIY approach to cleaning up after a sewage leak under the house.

Deal With The Crawlspace Sewage Problem

One of the first things that must be determined is where the sewage is coming from. Is there a broken pipe, or is the home’s main drain stopped up with the sewage escaping from a missing plug on a clean-out under the structure?

Whatever is happening needs to be found and dealt with. That will ensure you don’t find yourself having to clean a mess again any time soon, or at least not because of the same thing.

Wear Protective Gear when Cleaning Up Crawlspace Sewage

Before actually starting to clean the sewage, you will first need to obtain certain protective gear. Then, the items will have to be worn to keep you safe. The goods you’ll require could vary slightly, as each situation is different. However, things everyone should have on hand ahead of tackling any moisture under the house issue include:

• Rubber Boots
• Vinyl Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Respirator
• Disposable Jumpsuit

Remove Items And Hang Plastic When Cleaning Raw Sewage in Your Crawl Space

Some homeowners use their crawl spaces for storage. If that describes you, you will need to remove all of the belongings from the area. They’ll need to be cleaned and disinfected, but that’s a topic for another day. Next, hang plastic on the bottom of the house. That will prevent pathogens from getting upstairs while you work.

Get Rid Of The Liquid Waste In Your Home’s Crawlspace

To remove the liquid from under the house, a sump pump or shop vac is necessary. Don’t simply pump or dump the sewage into a nearby storm, though. Instead, it will need to be flushed down the toilet or into a clean-out on your main sewer line.

Pack Up Solid Waste

Now, it’s time to shovel solid waste into heavy-duty trash bags. Once you get them tied and sealed off, you can’t merely throw the sacks in with the trash. Rather, they will need to be taken to a waste processing facility.

Lime And A Fan

Finally, the task of getting rid of sewage in a crawl space is almost complete. Next, you should sprinkle some lime onto the dirt under the house. Some people even suggest working it into the soil a bit with gloved hands. Once that step is complete, set up a waterproof fan to let it finish drying out the area. Hopefully, you are now prepared to tackle a raw sewage removal project on your own.

Get Professional Help With  Crawlspace Sewage Removal