The issue of sewage backup in your home should not be taken casually. Sewage backup can damage your property and cause health issues. It may also lead to expensive repairs. Many homeowners wonder if they should stay in a home that has experienced sewage backup. Knowing the risks and when to consult a professional company for damage restoration can help you make the best decision possible.
What Is Sewage Drainage Backup?
Sewage is a backup when wastewater from drains, toilets, or sinks flows back into the home. This can happen for many reasons, such as clogged pipes and damaged sewer lines or overflows in municipal sewer systems. The presence of raw sewer inside your house is dangerous. It contains harmful pathogens, bacteria, and viruses.
Health Hazards Of Sewage Back-Up
A sewage backup poses several health risks. Sewage water is highly contaminated. Bacteria like Salmonella, E. Coli, and hepatitis may be present. These can cause serious illnesses. Exposure to raw sewage may cause:
- Gastrointestinal Infection: Consuming contaminated water or coming into direct contact with infected surfaces can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains.
- Respiratory Concerns: Mold and bacteria associated with sewage backups may cause respiratory problems for people with asthma or a compromised immune system.
- The Skin: Direct contact with sewage water with an open cut or wound can cause skin infections.
Septic backup can cause unpleasant odors and make living in the space difficult. The stench from raw sewage may permeate the walls, furniture, or other porous materials, creating an unsanitary environment.
Damage Restoration Company Role
Damage-restoration companies specialize in cleaning up homes and restoring them after disasters. These include sewage backups, fire damage, and water damage. This is why it’s important to hire a professional:
- Expertise & Equipment: Damage Restoration companies have the expertise, experience, and advanced equipment to safely handle sewage cleaning. They know how best to disinfect and clean the affected area to prevent further health hazards.
- Proper Waste Disposal: A damage-restoration company will ensure that the sewage and waste are properly removed and disposed of while adhering to safety protocols.
- Mold Prevention: Professionals will also prevent mold by thoroughly drying the affected areas. They use special equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from your home.
- Comprehensive cleanup: After the cleaning, a damage restoration company will clean all surfaces in contact with sewage. They will ensure that you can return home safely. This includes disinfecting walls, carpets, and furniture to eliminate pathogens.
Should You Stay In A House With Sewage Backup?
The health risks are too high to risk staying in a house with sewage backup. You could also cause further property damage. In this situation, you can leave the house and not expose yourself to the contaminated waters. Here’s why:
- Damage to Structure: A sewage backup could cause major structural damage in your home. Wet floors and carpets may weaken the building’s structure, and standing water for too long could cause mold. Mold growth is a particular concern since it can negatively impact the air and your health.
- Mildew: Moisture lingers after a sewage backup. Mold will begin to grow if you don’t act quickly. Mold growth increases health risks and can lead to further structural damage.
Take Action If Sewage Back-Up Is A Problem
If sewage is backing up into your home, the following steps should be taken.
- Evacuate As Soon as Possible: Get everyone out of the house. Avoid contacting the sewage and wear protective clothes to enter the zone.
- Turn OFF The Water Supply: If possible, turn off the main water supply to prevent further water from entering the system.
- Contact an Experienced Damage Restoration Company: Call a sewage cleanup company. They will be equipped with the proper equipment and knowledge to handle the situation safely.
- Notify your insurer of the damage: Contact Your Insurance Company for Documentation of the extent of the damage. Save receipts from any temporary repairs.
- Do not try DIY Cleaning: Sewage Cleanup requires specialized training and equipment. The health risks of cleaning sewage could cause further property damage and expose you.
Conclusion
The health risks are significant, and the structural damage can be severe. The best action is to leave the house immediately and contact a professional damage restoration company. These professionals can ensure the property is cleaned and restored in a way that it’s safe to live in. The sooner you deal with the issue, the less damage will be done, the fewer health risks, and so on.