3 Steps To Take After a Storm-Induced Sewer Backup

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

In Jamestown, NY after rain water builds up, a sewer backup can become a problem. Sewer water is always considered black water because of the bacteria and pathogens it carries. When it backs into your home or floods your basement, what can you do about it? Here are three steps you should take.

1. Shut Down Power

Water and electricity should never mix. Even if you can’t spot any electrical outlets near the water, you don’t want to take any risks with it. Make sure the electricity is off before you enter the area and before you call any specialists to help you with the water removal. Safety should always come first.

2. Check the Gas

In cases of flooding, the pilot light on gas appliances may go out. In this situation, you may have gas emissions leaking into your home. If the light is out or if you smell gas, then you need to call a professional right away. Do not stay in the building if you have a gas leak.

3. Extract the Water

As soon as possible, you need to have the water extracted. Collected rain water after a sewer backup can cause mold growth in a short period of time. Usually mold starts growing in as little as 24 hours. Make sure you have the water removed as soon as you can, or else the damage may become more extensive. The less time your home is saturated with water, the more damage you’ll be able to avoid.

Flood damage can be devastating, and when there’s a sewer backup in your neighborhood, it can be stressful and frustrating. These three steps should help keep you calm and safe after the events of a flood. While you may not be able to control the weather or the sewer lines, you can control what happens once the storm passes.
Visit http://www.SERVPROjamestownolean.com for more information on storm damage.