Sewage flooding typically happens in the basement or in a bathroom. This type of flooding is a major problem and needs to be addressed immediately. Homeowners can usually clean up most floods on their own, however a sewage cleanup involves many risks that make this a cleanup that homeowners should not do on their own.
Health Risks
Sewage consists of grey water (from sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers) or black water. Sewage floods involve the water that is used to flush toilets and is mixed with human waste that it flushes away. These floods/backups can be caused by several different things including clogged drainpipes, tree roots, damaging drainpipes, damaged sewer lines, and more.
Sewage contains contaminants like parasites, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. If someone cleans up a sewage loss without the proper protective gear and does not follow the proper procedures to clean up the loss, then these contaminants can cause serious health problems.
Mold growth is another risk when dealing with DIY sewage cleanup. If the loss is not cleaned up immediately and correctly mold will grow. Exposure to mold can wreak havoc on allergies and asthma, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems.
However, the greatest risk comes from electrocution or explosion. No one should enter a flooded property until utility companies have turned off the gas and electric. People should also not enter a flooded property where the main power switch was not turned of before flooding. Touching electrical components within a flooded house can be dangerous and should be left to professionals.
Why Sewage Flood Cleanups Require Professionals
Damages caused by water are a progressive issue. Leaving water damaged materials in the home could be extremely toxic. Also, if water damage is not remediated immediately it can cause further damage to carpets, furniture, walls, and more.
However, dealing with a sewage flood is unique with its different challenges and dangers. Professional restoration technicians are trained to properly clean up and dry out the loss to prevent further damages and mitigate the risk of damages to the property owner’s health.
Process Taken by professionals
Professional restoration technicians will follow the below procedures to ensure that a home is properly cleaned:
-Remove debris and pump out contaminated water
-Identify cause of loss
-Fix the cause of loss
-Remove any damaged flooring and drywall
-Use air scrubbers, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected area
-Sanitize the affected area using specialized cleaners and procedures.
It is strongly recommended to use an IICRC certified restoration company like First Choice Restoration instead of doing the work yourself.
Individuals interested in hiring an established water remediation company in Philadelphia, PA can contact First Choice Restoration by visiting their website or by speaking with a customer service representative by calling 800-370-0770. Let First Choice Restoration, be your first choice!
About First Choice Restoration
First Choice Restoration is a water, mold, fire, and smoke remediation company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. The company also operates additional offices throughout other areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company has been assisting homeowners and businesses with water, mold, fire, and smoke cleanup for over 40 years.
