What To Do When Your Sewer Backs Up Into Your Bathtub

How To Identify And Remediate A Sewer Backup In Your Bathtub

If you experience a sewer backup in your home in Centerton, AR, the result will likely be messy. Here are some things to keep in mind if you discover a backup.

Prevent Further Contamination

If you find a bathtub backup, the first thing to remember is that sewage can contain high numbers of bacteria, so keeping you and your family safe is key. Follow these steps to help with this:

• Shut off the water to prevent flooding throughout the rest of the house.
• Open a window in the room and close the door, if possible.
• If and when you need to be around the sewage, make sure you wear protective gear such as rubber gloves, a mask, rubber boots, and safety glasses.
• If you can't take care of the problem without coming into direct contact with the water, stop trying, and call a professional.

Find the Source of the Problem

If you can safely, try to figure out the cause of the sewer backup. Use a drain snake in both your toilet and your bathtub to try to clear any clogs, and make sure the vent in your bathroom is clear of any debris. If these don't solve the problem, it's time to call the experts.

Clean Up

If you're able to solve the problem yourself, safely dispose of any soaked, ruined items and move other damaged items to a well-ventilated area with surfaces that you can easily disinfect. Once you have the clog taken care of, wash down the bathtub and other surfaces with strong disinfectants, and then wash it a second time using your regular cleaner. If soft surfaces or walls were in contact with the contaminated water or if there is too much for you to safely dispose of, it's a good idea to call in a professional restoration service.

A sewer backup can cause an unpleasant mess, but you can prevent further mishaps by handling the situation with care and understanding when to call in a professional. NWA Restore It is your local restoration professional!