Sewage cleanup is not a DIY job. Attempting it yourself presents serious risks. A professional helps protect your home from unsanitary conditions and major damage and knows how to deal with the many hazards. When you’re facing an emergency, here are some risks of DIY sewage cleanup that should make you think twice about handling it yourself.
Sewage Is a Health Risk
Raw sewage consists of water that’s been flushed from toilets (known as black water). It also consists of water drained from clothes washers, showers, tubs, dishwashers, and sinks (gray water) that you don’t want backing up into your home either. This unhealthy combination can include human waste, cleaning products, and harmful chemicals.
There are millions of microorganisms in a single drop of sewage water. Some help break down solid waste. Many others are pathogens that can cause diseases like encephalitis, hepatitis A, adenovirus, dysentery, and typhoid fever. Bacteria that flourish in sewage include E. coli, salmonella, and cholera. Therefore, exposure to wastewater toxins can make you very sick.
Household gloves, masks, or bleach are often not sufficient for maintaining safety during a sewage water backup.
Mold Growth Is Possible
Improper sewage cleanup can lead to mold growth, especially if you don’t reach all the sources of water intrusion. Exposure to mold and the toxins it can produce can cause allergy and asthma symptoms and a range of long-term health problems. Children and individuals with compromised immune systems are most at risk. It only takes mold 24 to 48 hours to form colonies on moist surfaces where temperatures are optimal and there’s organic material to feed off of.
Safety Hazards
Severe flooding may be accompanied by hazards related to gas or electricity. Stay away from flooded areas and call for help right away. Evacuate if you smell gas. The utility company will turn off the gas and evaluate and fix the problem. Don’t reenter your home if the main power switch wasn’t turned off before you left. Touching a live wire, electrical device, or fixture affected by a flood can result in electrocution. Therefore, always call a professional for sewage cleanup.
You Could Make the Issue Worse
If you attempt a DIY cleanup when wastewater floods your home, you could:
- Fail to find the root cause of the problem.
- Fix the issue incorrectly, leading to future sewage backups.
- Spend more on purchasing equipment, disinfectant, and other supplies.
- Damage your plumbing by mistake.
- Require more costly repairs.
More Costly Issues
Many people avoid hiring a professional because of the cost. But purchasing all the materials yourself can be costly, and think of the amount of time you’ll need. Cleaning a sewage backup by hand may require repeating the process several times. If you’re not experienced with sewage cleanup, it can be hard to know you’ve removed all the bacteria and viruses present. An experienced contractor knows the procedures, products, and materials to use for every situation and can get the job done quickly, saving you time and money.
Not Being Properly Equipped
Standing water can infiltrate walls, furniture, carpets, and solid flooring materials. There are no shortcuts to avoiding further damage. A restoration professional has the equipment to remediate the problem by pumping out contaminated water, removing debris, and identifying the origin of the backup. The advanced equipment they use includes air scrubbers and industrial dehumidifiers. They employ procedures and cleaning products the average homeowner isn’t familiar with, which is effective for preserving structural integrity and valuables and preventing health risks.
Why Hire Restorerz – Emergency Services for Sewage Cleanup
Sewage can cause extensive damage and be dangerous to your health if it backs up. Servicing both commercial and residential properties, our IICRC-certified professionals are familiar with every option to clean up after a sewage disaster. Property owners throughout Los Angeles and Southern California rely on us for:
- 24/7 emergency service
- Response times of 60 minutes or less
- Guaranteed customer satisfaction
- Approval to work with any insurance company
- Upfront estimates and project timelines
- Adherence to safety codes and guidelines
We work until your property is habitable once again. Our team uses the latest equipment to begin drying and cleaning your home or business. A professional cleanup ensures every affected area and item is restored, repaired, or replaced, which isn’t guaranteed with DIY efforts. For expert help with sewage cleanup, call (323) 402-6523 today.