Climate change is causing changes like higher seas, new weather patterns, and more severe storms. A warmer atmosphere is causing warmer oceans, which leads to more intense flooding from coastal floods, hurricanes, and showers.
Like many places in Florida, Delray Beach is a popular destination for tourists and a pleasant home for locals. However, Delray Beach does experience bad weather and torrential rainfall. Flooding can occur here due to storms and natural disasters. The risk of flood damage is one that homeowners and business owners need to be aware of. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Services Inc. is a full-service contracting company in Delray Beach, Florida. They provide residential and commercial contracting services and water damage restoration services. In this article, Suncoast Contractors Inc. outlines what to do in case of a sewage backup.
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Septic systems or onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems treat and dispose of household wastewater, including water from washing machines, bathrooms, and kitchens. Waterlogging can occur in the soil around the septic tank and the drain field during heavy rains or floods. When this happens the effluent from the septic tank cannot drain properly through the soil.
When sewage from sewer pipes backs up and flows into homes through drain pipes, it is called a sewage backup. The presence of sewage material in water flooding homes or businesses is dangerous. It contains pathogens and other contaminants that can be hazardous.
Causes of Sewage Backup
Heavy Rainfall - The sewage system of towns or cities can be overpowered by excessive rainfall. This leads to water backing up into the attached sewer lines. This sewage backup can then flood homes or commercial buildings. Increasing rivers, hurricanes, and extreme weather can cause floods and sewage water. Contact with contaminated floodwater is best avoided. Even after it dries, the organic matter it contains can be aerosolized and inhaled. This is why PPE, or personal protective equipment, is used for safety. Flood restoration services professionals best handle flood damage restoration to ensure safety and efficiency. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service in Delray has the training, knowledge, and experience to take water damage.
Tree Roots - Roots from trees that grow into sewer lines can damage them.
Old Sewer Lines - Older sewer structures can break or crack, leading to sewer backups and flooding in basements.
Blocked Drain Pipes - Clogged drain pipes or main sewer lines can cause sewage to back up into a building.
General Precautions After Heavy Rainfall or Extreme Weather
Limit contact with floodwater as it may be contaminated.
In low-lying or flood-prone areas, the ground may be saturated with water. Avoiding or limiting household water use will help prevent sewage backup.
Signs of Sewage Backup
- Sinks that drain slowly.
- Bumps on the driveway or cracks on the sideway may indicate the presence of tree roots that can damage sewage pipes.
- Wet patches on the lawn when it is not raining can be a sign of leaking from sewage pipes.
- The odor of sewage in or around the house.
What To Do When Sewage Backs Up
If there is flooding with water that might contain sewage, a professional flood damage restoration service will ensure that safety precautions are taken. The process is faster and more efficient so that the extent of damage is controlled.
If sewage backup has occurred, the building residents must stay out of the affected areas. It is best to stay away until all affected areas and surfaces have been cleaned and disinfected thoroughly.
When there is a possibility of sewage overflow in streets and open areas, children must not be allowed to play there.
In areas served by a public sewer system, the utility company must be informed of the problems to take adequate precautions.
The electrical supply to the affected area should be switched off. Electrical wires or appliances pose a safety threat when there is water damage.
When the circuit breaker is in an affected area, it is better than trained personnel turning off the power.
If there is a chance of being exposed to the sewage water, protective clothing, facemask, boots, gloves, etc., must be used.
The water supply system must not be used until the sewage backup is fixed. Homeowners must refrain from flushing toilets or draining tubs and sinks.
The valve of the main water line to the flooded home can be shut off.
The area can be kept ventilated by opening doors and windows if possible.
Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and other household surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected. Affected surfaces and items must then be dried out to prevent mold growth.
All linen and clothing must be washed in hot water or dry cleaned.
Items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned may be discarded, such as mattresses, carpeting, wall coverings, and upholstered furniture.
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Professional water damage restoration specialists are best equipped to handle flood damage and sewage backup. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information on what to do after a flood septic system.
A sewage backup is an emergency as it is a potential health hazard. For such emergencies, Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service is among the best flood restoration services specialists in the Gulf Stream, FL area. They are licensed, insured, and trained contractors. With 75 years of experience and a reputation for handling projects with expert, professional, and trained workers, Suncoast Contractors can be relied on to handle residential and commercial contracting jobs, including flood damage restoration. They can be contacted at (561) 316-3989 in case of flood damage.
