In many places across the United States sewage systems are inadequate, leaky, swelling with toxic liquids, and on the verge of flooding. Residential sewage systems fail everyday across the country releasing billions of gallons of sewage into drinking water, rivers, lakes, and even into homes. Basements, bathrooms, garages, and any other place where sewage or water exits the home are susceptible to damage caused by flooding or sewage back up. Knowing how to properly handle a sewage or drain back up will not only save time, decreasing the risk of contamination but will also help you save money. Here are some tips on sewage remediation service.
If you are experiencing a sewage or drain back up call a plumber immediately to discover the root of the problem. Often sewage and drain back ups occur during wet weather and flooding but this is not always the case. Sewage back ups can also be caused by poor town planning of sewage lines and drains, pipe blockages, and broken or leaking pipes. Many public sewage systems in the United States are around 200 years old and in desperate need of repair or replacement. Unfortunately, local governments don’t always see a need for modification until the sewage systems break down and cause problems for residents.
Illnesses Caused By Sewage Back Ups
For homeowners and renters sewage back ups can be devastating ruining private property, spreading illness and disease, and possibly causing death. According the Natural Resources Defense Council (NDRC) over 2 million illnesses are caused each year by sewage contamination. Flood or sewage back up water contains a number of harmful contaminants, bacteria, and viruses that are dangerous to humans and animals. From diarrhea to mild infection and liver failure there are a host of symptoms related to sewage contamination. In addition to residuals from pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other toxic substances sewage waters also contain dangerous fungi, bacteria, amoeba, and protozoan.
The following list indicates some of the viruses and bacteria that may be present in sewage water and the effects on the human body: E. Coli – Diarrhea/Abdominal Cramping/Death Acanthomoeba – Eye/Nose/Throat/ Ear Infections Echovirus Meningitis Toxoplasma – Blurred Vision/ Loss of Sight Salmonella – Diarrhea/Abdominal Cramping Heliobacter Pylpri – Ulcers Hepatitis – Liver Infection/ Liver Failure Adenovirus – Respiratory Infection/ Respiratory Disease Leptospirosis – Muscle Aches/ Vomiting Legionella – Pneumonia
There are literally hundreds of other strains of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that may be present in flood or sewage waters. If you or any family member has come into contact with sewage waters there is a good chance you may become ill. If you or a family member exhibit any symptoms of sewage contamination such as abdominal cramping, fever, or diarrhea seek medical attention immediately.
Plumbers and Remediation Contractors
When dealing with a sewage or drain back up the most important thing to remember is to stay out of the water and muck. Simply coming into contact with sewage either via the skin or by inhalation can make you sick. Always call a professional, licensed, and insured plumber to assess the situation before you try to take care of it on your own. In fact, most homeowners do not know how to properly clean after sewage back ups. The task is best left to a professional to ensure harmful bacteria and toxins have been properly eliminated.
When calling a plumber explain the problem you are having and do nothing until they arrive. If you must enter sewage flooded areas wear protective, non porous clothing and shoes (rubber is good), and an N-95 filtered breathing mask. In order to prevent tracking sewage through your home close off the area from family members and pets, and remove any shoes that may have come into contact with sewage waters before entering your home. If your plumber confirms you’ve had a sewage back up that could possibly contaminate your home or drinking water you will need to take action immediately.
Ask the plumber to refer you to a contamination or remediation contractor. As with the plumber the contractor should be licensed, insured, and able to provide qualifications. A remediation contractor is absolutely necessary in the event of sewage contamination and will ensure your home is properly cleaned and all contaminants removed. Anything that cannot be cleaned will have to be thrown out and this is the hardest part for many homeowners.
Property Loss
Flooding and sewage back ups result in trillions of dollars worth of loss each year when it comes to private property. Homeowners may be faced with getting rid of precious mementos, photographs, furniture and linens, and other porous items that cannot be saved. Working with a professional remediation contractor will help ensure the clean up is done right the first time saving you money and time. After the contaminated sewage water is pumped slowly from the space the cleaning process must start immediately afterward to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold.
Any surface in the home that may have come into contact with sewage or flood waters should be tested to determine whether or not they need to be cleaned, replaced, or removed. Any samples should be sent out to an accredited lab like RC Analytical or EMSL Analytical, Inc. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all hard surfaces be cleaned and disinfected including floors, walls, and cabinets. Items that can be saved should be disinfected and those that cannot should be discarded.
Estimates and Contracts
Remediation of sewage and drain back ups is a labor intensive process and tends to be costly. Get a complete evaluation from the remediation contractor describing the extent of damage caused by sewage or water, repairs that need to be made and the cost to make them, a calendar date that clean up will be finished, and of course a signature from the contractor. In other words get an estimate before signing a contract for work to be completed. It is best to get 2-3 quotes from different contractors to make sure you are getting a good deal and remember you get what you pay for.
A professional remediation contractor will hire a crew of as few as 3 people up to 10 or more to get the job done in a timely manner. Labor is the most expensive part of the process so the faster the job is completed the better. Sewage or drain back ups should always be taken care of by a professional to ensure your maximum safety and health. Follow any recommendations your remediation contractor asks of you like placing covers over drains or having your septic system pumped regularly. If sewage and drain back ups are a constant problem for you when it rains or snow melts, contact your town planning board and insist that changes be made to the sewage system. Documentation is the best tool for change so take pictures and keep accurate records when it comes to sewage system problems.
