All your sewage removal needs, right here.

NLR Sewage Cleanup are experts at cleaning sewage from pipe backups and overflow. We are able to handle the whole job for you, from the extraction of solids, through to disinfection, through to drying, through to removal and disposal of any affected contents. We are also able to help with contents listing for insurance companies and can bill insurance directly.

Even more so, we know the stress and anxiety that can be brought by having contractors rushing through your house. We have a 24/7 line available for emergencies and are available any time 7-5 pm Mon-Fri for any questions you may have regarding the process, what the next steps are for you, or how we can help you further. Give us a dial on 1300 070 562 today!

NLR Sewage Cleanup is able to handle all kinds of water damage issues, from floodwater to water leaks, backflows or other wastewater, through to category 3 (black water) or sewage spills.

Special PPE, masks, chemicals, and fit-for-purpose chemicals, and training is required to effectively and safely clean after black water ingress, and NLR Sewage Cleanup are specialists in this. Call us today on 1300 070 562 for a free estimate!

What is Black Water or Category 3 water?

It’s helpful to understand how water is categorised in the water damage industry, as this will help you understand more clearly what kind of work you may need to be done, who can do it, and how much it may cost. So, in order from easiest to most difficult to clean:

  • Category 1: Clean Water

    This is water that has not been contaminated. Generally, this kind of water spills through burst pipes or fittings. Category 1 water, left exposed to the environment, quickly becomes reclassified as category 2 or 3 (depending on the environment and dwell-time).

    NLR Sewage Cleanup is able to handle all kinds of jobs, and perform many standard clean water extraction and drying procedures. If you need someone for a category 1 water cleanup, call NLR on 1300 070 562!

  • Category 2: Grey Water

    Category 2 water is generated from streams without fecal contamination, including washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, baths, and more. Greywater typically contains fewer pathogens than category 3 black water, but can still infect or harm you if you are exposed to it.

    It is especially dangerous when consumed, and category 2 water, left untreated, should be reclassified as category 3 water quickly, as pathogens multiply and it becomes exposed to other contaminants.

    Fortunately, NLR Sewage Cleanup is experienced in handling and removing grey water from homes, businesses and more! Give us a call today on 1300 070 562 to discuss your needs.

  • Category 3: Black Water

    Category 3 water is typified by sewage or floodwater but is also considered any water left in unsafe storage conditions for a long period.

    Sometimes, due to the nature of water spread after a burst pipe or water spill, water can mix with sewage, fecal matter, or other contaminants, and make otherwise category 1 water into category 2 or 3 water, and these are especially difficult for homeowners to identify, as there can be contamination to water that is impossible to see with the naked eye.

    Fortunately, NLR Sewage Cleanup has access to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing meters, as well as e-coli swabs and more, to enable testing of surfaces and liquids. This ensures that we are able to clean any contaminants safely, efficiently and effectively.

    Free call us today at 1300 070 562 to get your black water spill cleaned up ASAP!

FAQ's on Sewage Cleaning

What Equipment do I need to Cleanup Sewage

To clean up sewage yourself, you’ll need at least four things:
  1. A way to clean up the solids
    1. Usually, a wet-dry vacuum or extractor will work for this, but depending on your flooring and the size of the spill, you may be able to get away with a shovel and a lot of disposable towels to scoop up solids.
  1. Chemicals and cleaning cloths for wiping down all surfaces that need to be cleaned and sanitised
    1. Bleach is often a good chemical for this. However, you should never use chemicals without reading the instructions, ensuring you have proper ventilation, and understanding the situations in which you should not use the chemical. Bleach, for instance, will damage many items, such as carpets, woods, upholstery, and electronics, and it quickly becomes inactivated if the area isn’t properly cleaned first.
  1. A way to dry the building to halt mould growth
    1. Commercial dehumidifiers and air movers are the industry standard to dry buildings affected by the sewage. If you’re looking for a way to rent this equipment, our sister company Agile Equipment Hire (Agile Equipment Hire) has great deals running!
  1. A way to dispose of sewage-affected items
    1. If you have a large amount to dispose of, organising a skip bin may save you from having to transport sewage in your vehicle. Otherwise, steel ute trays are easily able to be scrubbed and sanitised with a broom, a bucket, and some bleach. Any porous items that are affected should be disposed of, and semi-porous items usually need professional inspection and cleaning to determine if they should be professionally cleaned.

 

Other things you may need to consider:

  • Is there sewage inside my walls, in the ceiling, or under floorboards?
    • If this is the case, you should definitely contact a professional sewage cleaning company, because timber framing needs proper moisture management in order to halt or limit mould growth. Mould is linked to many health problems, and saving a couple of thousand dollars in DIY work on sewage is not cost-effective if it later causes a mould problem.
    • Sewage-affected walls usually need to be cut out and replaced by a plasterer. This is the same for ceilings, and any other porous materials that are affected (think: MDF cabinetry, carpeting, furniture legs, insulation bats, etc.).
  • How long will it take me to clean up sewage?
    • If the patch is small, and you have the right equipment on hand, it may only take a few hours. However, any large spill may take one person days, especially in areas with porous materials (note: porous materials must be removed, because they are unable to be sanitised).
    • It always takes longer than you think, and if black water or sewage sits on surfaces for too long, mould growth is to expect, which will blow out your costs. If it’s a large spill, it’s usually cheaper and faster to call in a professional outfit to handle the problem.
  • Where did the spill come from?
    • If you don’t know the source of the spill, it can be very difficult to track all the damage.

What Chemicals Work on Sewage

Once all solids and standing liquids have been removed

From a sewage spill, any strong sanitiser will work to kill the microbes in sewage. However, some chemicals are used more often. Bleach, for instance, has a very “clean” smell, and one of the most difficult tasks after sewage ingress is to return the feeling of cleanliness to a home. As a result, bleach is the most common chemical, largely because it allows people to relax again and feel that their home has truly been cleaned.

How do I Clean Sewage in My Yard

Contaminated soil is a highly-regulated industry

And in some cases (especially commercially) it is even more highly regulated than contamination in buildings. Unfortunately, NLR Sewage Cleanup does not currently offer any soil contamination services, but there are a number of environmental consultants in Brisbane and around Australia who are able to help you with soil contamination issues.

How do I Clean Sewage in My Crawlspace

Cleaning sewage in a crawlspace is a difficult and complicated task

Most professionals will use commercial extraction methods to remove solid and liquid contaminants, and then scrub, clean, and sanitise the area before drying the interior of the crawlspace. This makes sewage DIY very difficult to do correctly and increases the chances of incorrect cleanup – which risks giving you illnesses, rotting building frames, mould, irreversible staining, or other problems. If you’d like to discuss the possibility of DIY sewage cleanup (and equipment worth renting for this (https://www.agileequipmenthire.com.au/), feel free to call us on 1300 070 562 and we can discuss your needs and solutions further.

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