Sewage back up into a home or business is far and away one of the most unpleasant plumbing related issues one can experience. From the foul odor, to flooding, to seriously toxic contamination, there are no shortage of issues to consider and deal with when your sewer lines start flowing in the wrong direction! One of the biggest mistakes a home or busines owner can make when experiencing a sewage back up is to undertake the clean up by themselves. Sewage back up is definitely not a DIY project!
For starters, the overwhelmingly majority of home and business owners do not possess the necessary equipment to handle a sewer backup cleanup. The black water the you see flooding out of toilets and through drains into sinks and tubs not only smells horrendous but is also equipped with all sorts of scary toxins and hazardous waste. The likes of which can cause serious health issues if contacted without the proper gear.
If you are experiencing a sewage back up in your home, don’t waste another minute! Call your local sewage cleanup company. Your family’s health and safety are at stake!
#1 Rule of Sewage Back Up
Do not come into contact with raw sewage. The second rule of course is to not even be in the same room/general area that sewage is presen. From various health concerns to cross contamination a sewage leak can quickly turn into highly dangerous health hazard. There is a reason that ‘Black Water’ (the coined term for sewage) is classified as a category 3 toxin! Black water can contain toxigenic, and pathogenic compounds that can be harmful, and sometimes fatal to humans and animals alike!
In fact, the IICRC notes at least 100+ viruses that can be found in human urine and feces. Below is a list of some of the most common viruses present in black water samples:
- Rotavirus
- Norovirus
- Giardia
- Salonella
- Shigella
- E. Coli
Each virus above has it’s own set of very serious health issues including diarrhea, eye infections, respiratory sickness, gastric flu, chronic intestinal diseases, CNS issues, and respiratory inflammation. In short, a very serious list of terrifying viruses that attack children and adults alike.
Bleach Won’t Beat It
A common misconception that people have is that a sewage backup is the same as any other bacterial clean up, bleach it! Although bleach might be effective at fight some commonly contracted illnesses, it is NOT the answer for sewage back up clean up. Firstly, the amount of damage bleach can do to flooring, furniture, and personal items is can be irreparable. Secone, just because bleach may be good at getting rid of stains associated with a back up, it does a very poor job at killing potential contaiminants that accompany leaks. You will need a licensed professional equipped with the tools and experience to quarantine, clean up, and repair your sewage issue in order to guarantee the safety of your home, business, and family.