Water damage is a common problem faced by homeowners in Florida. In general, the most common causes of water damage are broken pipes, undetected leaks, and broken appliances.
With Florida being a hurricane-prone area, there is an increased probability of water damage during severe weather disturbances, which bring heavy rains and cause flooding. One of the top causes of water damage during this period is a sewage backup.
Some homeowners may be tempted to perform sewage cleanup on their own, but this activity poses many risks when undertaken without professional help. Here are the top dangers of do-it-yourself (DIY) sewage cleanup from the experts of ServiceMaster by Wright.
What is Sewage Backup?
Wastewater is supposed to flow freely from your house to the community sewer system. If something obstructs the flow of wastewater, it proceeds to back up into your home, thus creating a sewage backup.
The common causes of sewer backups are:
- clogs in the pipeline
- tree roots
- broken pipes
In a short period of time, your home can suddenly be overwhelmed with fetid water, waste, bacteria, and other dangerous and unpleasant elements of sewage.
Exposure to this water poses serious health risks to both humans and animals, which is why having it cleaned up immediately is of the utmost importance.
Problems Caused by Sewage Water
During sewage contamination, water will quickly flow to the areas of least resistance, seeping within cracks of walls, floors, and ceilings.
When trying to clean the mess yourself, it’s difficult to reach those hidden areas that can later result in strong odors and permanent damage if not addressed properly.
When sewage water contains a number of biohazards, the water also poses health and safety threats. This is why it’s important to leave the cleanup process to the professionals and avoid all contact with the area.
Diseases Caused by Sewage Backup
Bacterial:
- salmonellosis
- shigellosis
- diarrhea
- trachoma
- trachoma
Viral:
- gastroenteritis
- hepatitis A
Diseases Caused by Parasites:
- giardiasis
- dwarf tapeworm infection
- threadworm infection
- hookworm infection
- strongyloidiasis
These disease-causing germs and parasites can be spread:
- directly by people coming into contact with sewage or toilet waste (this can happen, for example, when people walk through sewage which has leaked onto the ground from broken sewage pipes)
- with animals such as flies and cockroaches which carry the germs and parasites in or on their bodies; dogs and cats can carry germs and parasites, too
What should I do after a Sewage Backup?
There is no need to panic when dealing with a sewage backup. Bear in mind to prioritize the safety of everyone before anything else. After securing your family, here’s what you can do before the professionals arrive.
- Since sewage water is dangerous to humans and animals, evacuation of the flooded area must be done immediately.
- Turn off electrical power in the flooded area. If you can't do it safely, stay away from electrical devices.
- If you have come in contact with the flooded area, wash your hands thoroughly and be sure to wear protective clothing and equipment the next time you need to enter the flooded area again.
- Turn off your main water line valve. Check how to safely turn off other utilities.
- Secure your property when opening doors and windows for ventilation.
- Flooded or contaminated food or crops must be disposed of.
- Wash your hands properly before opening food in a sealed container or when preparing food.
- Avoid using affected gas and electrical appliances until a qualified gas fitter or electrician confirms that they are safe to use.
- Standard homeowners insurance does not cover sewage backup, so make sure to ask your insurance company about how you could include it in your coverage. If sewer backup is covered, do not forget to document the damage to make the claims process easier.
- Make sure to notify the proper authorities if your home is connected to a community or public sewer.
- Call a professional sewage cleanup company immediately.
What are the Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Sewage Cleanup?
The dangers of DIY sewage cleanup mostly involve different health risks. Read them below.
Parasites, Viruses, and Bacteria
- Sewage water contains a number of biohazards, which is why it’s important to leave the cleanup process to the professionals and avoid all contact with the area if possible.
- The most common and popular parasites present in sewage water are Entamoeba, which causes amoebiasis; Giardia, which causes giardiasis; and Cryptosporidium, which is responsible for a variety of symptoms including diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, and dehydration.
- When there is a presence of sewage in the water, the types of bacteria present include E. coli and Salmonella.
- Viruses present in sewage water can cause a number of illnesses, including Hepatitis A.
Mold Growth
- Improper handling of the sewage backup will not only expose you to bacteria and viruses, but also to potential mold growth.
- When water damage is not removed immediately, mold can start growing in the next 24 to 48 hours.
- Exposure to mold and its spores aggravate allergies and respiratory problems. Only proper structural drying and dehumidification in Englewood, Florida can remove sewage water and moisture completely to prevent mold from growing.
More Backups
- A sewage backup may be caused by a plumbing problem, so if you handle the backup on your own without first knowing the underlying issue, chances are there may be repeat overflows in the future, which is more expensive than just hiring a professional for water damage restoration.
Contamination
- The use of consumer-grade disinfectants may not be enough to thoroughly decontaminate the home from the pathogens that a sewage backup could bring.
- In addition, a homeowner may contaminate the other parts of the house that haven't been flooded through clothing or footwear.
Electrocution
- As mentioned before, it is important to turn off all electrical systems in the event of flooding to prevent the risk of electrocution.
- Do not touch wires, cords, or any electrical appliance or equipment after a water damage incident.
- Wait for the advise of a licensed electrician before turning on the power.
Why should I Hire a Sewage Backup Cleanup Company?
There is a need to perform immediate water extraction and removal at the event of a sewage backup in your home or business, as further damages may occur if the problem is prolonged.
Also, the dangers of DIY sewage cleanup could not be ignored, and it’s better to leave the task to the people who have the equipment, experience, and expertise to deal with it.
When you hire an expert with experience in how to clean up sewage, you’ll realize just how intensive a job it is. Don’t be tempted to handle the problem yourself – only a residential sewage backup cleaning service like ServiceMaster by Wright has the equipment and know-how required to clean your home thoroughly and safely.
ServiceMaster by Wright‘s sewage cleanup process includes:
- Initial assessment and free estimate
- Removal of sewage and water from the affected areas
- Damage inspection and removal of materials that cannot be restored
- Disposal of materials
- Deodorization, Sanitation, and Disinfection
- Sewage Cleanup
Professional Sewage Cleanup Services in Englewood, Florida
ServiceMaster by Wright has highly trained personnel that can do the necessary repairs that your home or your property needs after a sewage disaster.
Our IICRC-certified firm has water damage specialists who will deal with the problem in an efficient, effective, and time-based manner.
If your property has been affected by a sewer backup or sewage-based flooding, call ServiceMaster by Wright‘s 24-hour helpline at (239) 431-9947. Customers can also message us online.
We service Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Englewood, Fort Myers, Longboat Key, Naples, Marco Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Venice.
