The sewage backup might be a housekeeping problem at first glance, but contaminated water can have adverse health and property effects. It can penetrate porous materials, under flooring and even behind walls. Sewage can also add up harmful bacteria and other chemicals. Professional sewer backup cleanup companies have the ability to verify the area affected and deal with contamination appropriately along with moisture. Prompt action can help to minimize secondary damage and aid in a more effective restoration.

Sewage backup can pose a threat in five ways, and here's what you need to know before you try to clean up the mess.

The difference between Sewage Damage and Ordinary Water damage.

Water loss situations are not all equal. A clean water leak from a supply pipe is quite different from the back-up of wastewater through a sewer or drains.

Sewage contamination can lead to the presence of microorganisms and other pollutants in water. It can also invade hard to clean surfaces such as carpeting, furniture, drywall, flooring, and insulation.

This is why sewage cleanup is not simply a matter of using a wet vacuum and disinfectant. The correct evaluation would take into account the source of contamination, the types of materials involved, the presence of moisture and the ability to realistically restore certain materials.

It's not only about how clean the room looks. It is to deal with contamination and moisture and to preserve the structure and users of the property.

1.   Sewage can cause a biological contamination hazard.

The first type of contamination that cannot be seen just by looking at the water.

Sewage that is not treated may contain microorganisms and other contaminants. CDC warns that floodwater containing sewage may contain toxic bacteria and other substances that can cause illness.

So unnecessary contact is not a good idea, especially if it is unknown how much contaminated it is.

How Contamination can spread

A backup doesn't have to stay in the puddle it was created in. Water may be contaminated by:

•            Flooring and rugs

•            Baseboards

•            Walls and drywall

•            Furniture

•            Household belongings

•            Shoes and clothing

•            Cleaning equipment

Humans may also spread contamination to other locations by walking through contaminated areas.

If possible, limited access to the affected area - especially for children or pets.

2.   The other danger is hidden moisture that can cause mold.

The second risk is when water is still trapped after the sewage has been physically cleaned up.

Mold is not dependent on standing water. Growth can occur on damp materials alone. According to EPA, mold thrives when spores settle on moist surfaces and that the most important way to prevent indoor mold growth is to control the moisture.

We take a look at where moisture can be found.

Following a sewage backup, there can be some moisture left behind:

•            Under flooring

•            Inside subfloors

•            Behind baseboards

•            Inside drywall

•            Within insulation

•            Beneath cabinets

•            In wall cavities

Completing the installation of other hidden building parts.

This is one reason that a room may feel dry when the restoration problem is not fully completed.

3.   Structural Damage May Progress.

The third hazard is that the property itself is damaged over time.

Drywall, flooring, subflooring, wood products and insulation may be impacted by sewage contamination or extended moisture exposure, as well as cabinets and other building materials. Depending on the material, it may be possible to restore it following cleaning and drying, or some materials may be unsuitable for restoration.

So why should the subfloor be considered?

An example is flooring.

A surface that appears relatively normal after being swept up after a water loss could have water underneath the surface. When subfloor remains wet, it can persist under the new floor.

The same problems may be present behind walls or underneath cabinets.

That is why it is important to know that a seasoned restoration professional considers the condition of the whole affected area, beyond the visible water.

Should all wet materials be changed?

No.

Just because everything is being automatically recommended for replacement doesn't mean it is the best practice in restoration. The decision shall be made according to material, contamination, degree of absorption, structure and ability to clean and dry.

The ability to clean and restore some non-porous surfaces may be possible, and porous materials contaminated to a high degree may be more difficult to salvage.

If the material can't be properly restored it is a bad idea to keep it, and if the material can be saved without replacing it, then it is a bad idea to replace it.

4.   Continuous foul smells can mean there's still a problem.

The fourth threat is the bad smell after the water has gone.

Odors from sewage can get trapped in porous materials and hidden areas. Spraying an air freshener over the area does not resolve the problem, if there is contaminated material or moisture.

Because the Smell Can Remains

SMELL may occur due to:

•                    Contaminated carpeting

•                    Damp subflooring

•                    Absorbent furnishings

•                    Residual organic material

•                    Moisture which has been trapped within building materials.

•                    Contamination in areas that were overlooked

That's why the first step of odor control needs to be determining the source of the odor.

When addressing odors and contamination due to mold, EPA also stresses the importance of addressing moisture issues.

5.   Electrical and Physical Hazards can be concealed.

The fifth hazard homeowners need to be especially wary of is safety hazards that are not readily visible to the naked eye.

It can be hazardous to enter an area where sewage has reached electrical outlets, appliances, wiring or other electrical components.

CDC recommends no contact with electrical equipment connected to contaminated wastewater systems until they are cleaned and dried properly.

Other Hazards May Include:

In addition, a sewage-damaged site can also contain:

•            Slippery surfaces

•            Damaged flooring

•            Broken materials

•            Sharp debris

•            Contaminated household items

•            Hidden moisture

•            Structural deterioration

Avoid contact between children and pets and any affected areas.

When electrical safety is questionable, or if the structure shows signs of trouble, do not experiment with electrical equipment or go exploring for danger in the structure yourself.

The post Sewage Backup, What to Do After It?

is an excellent source of information to help you get started.

1.     The initial few choices can make a huge difference.

Keep people and pets away.

Close off the area and minimize contact with contaminated water or materials.

2.     Stay out of contact with contaminated materials.

Avoid needless handling of sewage-contaminated materials, especially if the degree of contamination is not known.

3.     Take Electrical Hazards Seriously

If water has been in contact with electrical equipment, do not enter the area until there is an appropriate assessment of the situation.

4.     Lead the way to Safety

If your sewer line has become blocked, cracked or there is some plumbing problem, it must be fixed. Without fixing the root cause, the cleanup of the damage could result in another backup.

5.     Document the Damage

Photograph affected rooms, flooring, walls, belongings and where possible, visible water damage. Record discussions, invoices, and restoration efforts for your own records and insurance claims.

6.     Arrange an Assessment

When the backups are large and/or in living rooms, electrical systems, or hidden areas, it's usually safer to hire a professional to assess the situation.

What is Professional Sewage Restoration?

A professional restoration process needs not to be based on a checklist, but rather on the condition of the property.

This can involve:

Inspection

The area is evaluated to determine the source of the moisture, the extent of contamination, the materials involved and any concealed moisture.

Water Extraction

Wastewater is disposed of properly with the proper equipment and procedures.

Material Assessment

Materials assessed for cleanability and restoration or removal.

Cleaning and Decontamination

Surfaces/Contents are cleaned appropriately depending on the surface area and contamination.

Structural Drying

Proper drying methods and tracking are employed to account for any remaining moisture.

Restoration

Damaged materials are repaired or replaced where necessary, after dealing with the contamination and moisture issues.

This is significant since sewage restoration is not just about taking out water. It's about knowing where the water went, what it touched, what can be recovered and what risks are still present.

When to Call a Professional?

It is especially prudent to seek professional help when:

•                    Sewage is present in living spaces.

•                    A significant portion of the land is impacted.

•                    Flooring or drywall is water logged with contaminated water.

•                    Exposure of electrical systems may have occurred.

•                    Strong odors remain.

•                    Moisture can be accumulated behind walls or under floors.

•                    Mold is suspected.

•                    Source of backup has not been determined.

The EPA further suggests that if water damage is large or the water is not clean, professional advice should be sought.

What Can Be Done to Avert Sewer Backups in the Future?

While prevention begins by being aware of indicators, many questions remain to be answered in the process of restoration.

Multiple fixtures that go slow, frequent clogging, gurgling toilets, sewer gas and odors, and slow drains are signs of a potential drainage or sewer issue. Slow drains, sinks, and toilets and overflowing floor drains are all noted as indicators of wastewater-system issues by the CDC.

Depending on property type and local plumbing needs, homeowners can speak with qualified professionals about other mitigation strategies such as sump-pump protection, backwater valves, and sewer-line inspections.

When a property has suffered from multiple backups, routine plumbing maintenance may prove to be especially beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

•                    Are sewage areas hazardous?

Water that has been contaminated with sewage may contain microorganisms and other contaminants. Minimize contact and practice proper precautions, especially if the contamination is large in size.

•                    Does untreated sewage lead to mold?

Sewage backups add moisture to building materials, potentially creating the conditions for mold to grow. Acceleration of drying and moisture management is critical.

•                    Is it possible to salvage a sewage damaged floor?

Sometimes. This will depend on the type of floor, the amount of contamination, how long the floor has been exposed, and whether or not it is possible to clean and dry the floor and the floor structure.

•                    How do you clean up a sewage backup?

While small incidents may differ from extensive contamination, in case of any significant sewage damage, it could mean lots of biological, electrical, and structural hazards. If the damage is widespread or safety cannot be guaranteed, experts should evaluate the situation.

•                    Does insurance provide coverage for sewage damage?

Coverage is subject to policy, exclusions, and conditions and may be subject to optional endorsements. Look at your policy and consult your insurance company about a specific incident, don't assume that you have coverage for all sewage backups.

Conclusion

Sometimes the most hazardous aspect of sewage back-up is not immediately obvious.

Mater and surface can become contaminated. Water may be trapped under floor or in walls. Damp materials left untreated may develop mold and there may be electrical or physical hazards in affected areas.

That's why it's best to take swift action, minimize the exposure needed, find out what caused the backup, document the damage, and properly evaluate the property.

Restoration is not about cleaning up a damaged room as fast as you can. It's about handling contamination, moisture, material and the safety issues, and finally the root cause in the proper sequence.

To credibly show real world experience, restoration firms that publish this guide should also include original photos of their work, certified staff credentials, real life case studies, and describe their restoration process. Those details should be from real experiences, not from general marketing.