Sewage backup has water, human waste, garbage, and mineral salts mixed. Plumbing systems are designed to drain waste away. When there is a problem in the plumbing system, sewage backs up and waste flows back towards the building instead of away.
A sewage backup is a form of water damage that is a nightmare for every property owner. Sewage is messy and hazardous to health. A sewage backup is a category 3 water damage as the water is contaminated. Especially when the water damage is of category 3, it is best handled by a water damage restoration service. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service provides water damage restoration in Delray Beach and surrounding areas. In this article Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. explains what water damage restoration can be done after a sewage backup.
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How Sewage Backup Happens
The main causes for sewage backup are:
Blocked Pipes - pipes in a home or outside may clog, resulting in sewage backup. If only one fixture is affected, the clog there can be dealt with. But if one toilet is flushed and there is water rising in other fixtures, the problem is more serious, and sewage overflow may happen.
Tree Roots - Tree roots near sewer lines want to access water within the pipes and pierce holes in the pipes or grow around them. If the trees are on private property the owner has to manage the problem.
Damaged Sewer Lines - When the sewer lines are old they might be made of iron or clay. These can break down easily as they are worn out.
Heavy Rainfall - Heavy rain can overwhelm the city's sewer lines. When the sewer system cannot handle a large amount of rainwater, the water can get into the connected sewer lines. This can result in sewage backflow.
Homeowners who are familiar with plumbing can try to identify the problem and others can get a plumber to help. If the blockage is suspected to be in the public sewer lines the municipality may have to be contacted.
The sewer drain cleanout can be checked for the presence of standing water. Water in the cleanout indicates that the backup is beyond that point. This means the public authority like the municipality would need to take steps. If there is no water standing in the sewer drain cleanout it means the backup is between the cleanout and the house. All toilets sink, and sewage pipes must be checked for clogging.
Precautions
When dealing with sewage backup it is important to remember that it can cause health hazards as it contains harmful microorganisms. Noxious fumes can also be released from sewage that contaminates the air. It is safer if rubber gloves, boots, and masks are used when there is any chance to be exposed to sewage. But for water damage restoration that involves sewage, a professional water damage restoration should be contacted.
Dealing with sewage backup can also have associated risks of fire and electrical hazards. This depends on the extent of the damage and the water level.
What To Do After A Sewage Backup
- Anyone exposed to sewage water or coming near it must clean and disinfect themselves as thoroughly and as quickly as possible.
- Minor injuries that have come into contact with wastewater need medical attention.
- Avoid touching the face.
- Hands must be washed frequently all day.
- Assess the damage. All items that have come into contact with sewage will have to be recorded, as they will probably need to be discarded.
- The family or inhabitants are safer if they stay away from the building affected by sewage backup.
- Contacting the insurance company and the water damage restoration company as soon as possible will set the process into motion, and the earlier the better.
Sewage Damage Restoration Will Include
Water damage restoration that removes all the water and provides drying of the area is needed. Cleaning and sanitization are of prime importance in such cases.
Mold removal may be required after a sewage backup.
Odor control measures may be taken to neutralize odors and restore a natural, pleasant scent.
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Water damage caused by sewage backup must be handled promptly. Such incidents of water damage in Delray Beach can be handled with efficiency and reliably by Suncoast Emergency Services Inc. Suncoast Contractors is one of the most trusted and experienced water damage restoration experts in the Delray Beach area. It adheres to the highest standards in commercial and residential water damage restoration. The company is also fully licensed and insured for water remediation services. Suncoast Contractors Emergency Service Inc. can be contacted for water damage restoration in Delray Beach by filling out an online form or calling (561) 316-3989.
