Sewage Backup: What to Do If You Suspect Contamination in Your Water Damage

10 Dec Sewage Backup: What to Do If You Suspect Contamination in Your Water Damage

Discovering water damage in your home is stressful enough, but the situation becomes significantly more serious if you suspect sewage contamination. Sewage backup introduces harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites into your home, posing severe health risks. Immediate and proper action is crucial to protect your health and prevent further damage. In this blog, our Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company will outline the critical steps you should take if you suspect sewage contamination in your water-damaged property.

Sewage contamination is easily identifiable through several telltale signs. These include:

• Visible sewage: This is the most obvious sign, indicating a significant backup and immediate need for professional intervention.
• Foul odor: A strong, unpleasant sewage smell is a clear warning sign, even if you don’t see visible sewage.
• Dark, murky water: Water that’s dark, discolored, and has a distinctly unpleasant odor is highly suspicious.
• Presence of solid waste: Finding fecal matter or other solid waste materials confirms sewage contamination.

What NOT to Do:Before addressing the contamination, it’s crucial to understand what actions to avoid:

• Do not attempt to clean up the sewage yourself: Sewage is highly contaminated and can expose you to harmful pathogens. Cleaning it up without proper protective gear and expertise is extremely dangerous.
• Do not use any electrical appliances or systems: Contact with sewage can cause electrical hazards. Avoid using any electrical appliances until a qualified electrician has inspected them.
• Do not walk barefoot in affected areas: Sewage can easily penetrate flooring and cause contamination.
• Do not attempt to remove wet materials or belongings: This could spread the contamination further.

What to Do:If you suspect sewage contamination, follow these steps immediately:

1. Evacuate the premises: Get yourself and your family out of the house immediately. Sewage contamination poses significant health risks.
2. Contact emergency services: If the backup is severe or you suspect a significant health risk, call emergency services for assistance.
3. Contact a professional water damage restoration company: These companies have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively clean up sewage contamination. Do not attempt DIY cleanup. They will use specialized equipment and disinfectants to remove contaminants and restore your property.
4. Document the damage: Take photos and videos of the damage as evidence for insurance claims.
5. Contact your insurance company: Report the sewage backup to your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

Professional Remediation: Professional Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Companies are trained to handle sewage backups safely and effectively. They will:

• Assess the extent of the damage: They will determine the affected areas and the level of contamination.
• Remove contaminated materials: They will safely remove affected materials, including drywall, insulation, and flooring.
• Clean and disinfect the affected areas: They will use specialized equipment and disinfectants to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Dry and deodorize the property: They will use industrial-strength drying equipment to remove moisture and eliminate lingering odors.

Conclusion: Sewage contamination is a serious health hazard requiring immediate professional attention. Do not attempt to clean up sewage yourself. Evacuate your home, contact emergency services if necessary, and call a reputable water damage restoration company. Their expertise will ensure the safe and effective cleanup and restoration of your property, protecting your health and mitigating further damage. Remember, acting quickly is crucial in minimizing the health risks and long-term consequences of sewage contamination.