Leave your sewage damage to the professionals at SERVPRO

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Category 3 Contaminated Water

A sewage backup is an emergency problem that can pose a health risk or severe illness.  While sewage damage will be expensive to clean up, it must never be done yourself. There are many dangerous bacteria and odors that can be left without proper cleaning. 

Sewage water can contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses.  Our professionals use advanced equipment and products that remove the water and contaminates.  SERVPRO offers content cleaning on site or at our warehouse for your personal belongings that have been contaminated as well.

During a heavy rain it is common to have a septic backup.  Significant rainfall can flood the ground leaving it saturated making it impossible for water to flow out of the septic tank.  While some cases of sewage backups are not very severe because they are noticed right away, others can go untreated for days.

If necessary to have contact with the water protective measures should be taken.  A facemask, rubber boots, gloves and eyewear should be worn at all times to avoid contact. Opening windows to allow fresh air to circulate can help with the odor.  Highly porous materials with low cost or replacement value, such as carpet cushion, carpet, cardboard, wicker, and straw, should be removed and discarded as soon as possible. Other materials, such as saturated mattresses and cloth upholstery, regardless of value, cannot be restored and should be discarded. If disposal is necessary, these materials should be bagged in plastic for removal to a proper disposal site. Our professionals at SERVPRO remove and dispose of all contaminated material when deemed necessary.

If you suspect your sewage damage is due to a pipe burst then all water appliances should not be in use. Using water appliances will only add more pressure and water to the already existing damage.   Turn off the water in your home if the water valve is visible and you can access it to prevent further damage.  Prevent cross contamination by not going in or around the sewage water and tracking it to other rooms in the home or office.

There are 3 types of contaminated water:             

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or a leaking faucet  

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine,  but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

If you have experienced any type of water damage, call SERVPRO of the Quad Cities.  We are a 24 hour 7 days a week service.  We are here to safely restore your home or business.