Obstructed sewer lines can leak out sewage; a thick, dark liquid that forms. Sewage water is a serious health hazard and unsanitary; containing contaminants like pathogens, viruses and bacteria. These dangerous contaminants may present risks of serious sickness if animals or humans suffer exposure. Timely repair is key if you experience sewage backup anywhere in your home or business . Quickly taking care of this will prevent the dangerous waste water from lingering in occupied areas. To prevent a hazardous condition occurring in your home or business, being aware of what leads to the sewer problems could be extremely helpful. We’ve created a list of items to aid in preventing and handling home or business sewage blockages:

Causes of Sewage Backup

  • Heavy Rainfall – Excess flooding can overpower your town or city’s storm sewer mainlines. If this happens, the water can expand into the attached sewer lines bringing your home or business in possible danger of water backflow. Surging rivers and streams, hurricanes and other related events can force flood and sewage waters to mix and present genuine health related problems. You should be immensely cautious when wading in this type of water, and even stay cautious after the water recedes and dries up. It’s possible for the organic matter to become aerosolized and able to be inhaled, meaning there’s a chance you could inhale it into your lungs. To prevent contact or risk of inhaling these contaminants, appropriate PPE should be used at all times.
  • Tree Roots – Trees can have strong roots that grow into water or sewer lines and crush or impair them. Damage to pipes and a sewer backup can also be induced by tree roots that aren’t even on your land. Be acutely aware of any tree roots that can sprawl into your water and sewer lines that lead to the central sewer line or septic system.
  • Old/Aging Sewer Lines – Older and aging sewage systems are susceptible to breaking down and cracking, causing sewer backups, flooded basements as well as entire home flooding. The older your area or dwelling may raise the threat of this type of damage occurring.
  • Clogged and Blocked Drain Pipes – If your house or business’s main sewer pipes or drain pipes become blocked, sewage may back up inside the building. A good example is: if a single toilet causes a sewage blockage, the adjacent pipes connected to that toilet, or the main drain lines of more toilets, will also become backed up.
  • Old and/or Damaged Lines – Older sewage systems have a tendency to suffer damage and crack, leading to sewer water influx and flooded dwellings full of sewage. If your home or area is older, the probability is greater that you’ll experience failing sewer lines than newer ones.
  • Copious Rainfall – Heavy and sudden downpours can overpower your local storm sewer lines quickly. If these public sewer mains can’t deal with excess waters, water can backup and progress into connected sewer lines. This can put your home or business at risk of backflow difficulties. Regional flood waters from events like surging rivers and creeks, hurricanes, or any rainy weather events can cause clean water to blend with sewage water and other chemicals and harmful toxins that cause serious health ailments. Use extreme caution when moving on foot in this type of water, but also remain cautious once it dries. The dried organic matter can turn airborne and turn respirable. Correct PPE needs to be worn at all times to prevent contact and risk inhaling polluted air.
  • Blocked/Clogged Sewer Lines – A clogged pipe or sewer line can force sewage to back up into your home or business. If only one toilet becomes fouled, the sewage backup can spread on to the sewer lines and influence all linked toilets on that line.
  • Roots from Trees – Tree roots can wreak havoc on water and sewer lines. The roots from huge trees can maneuver into and around the lines and damage them excessively. If the roots on your property are not the problem, roots from closely located trees can cross property lines and harm your sewer pipes, causing a sewage complication. Be super aware of all tree roots close to your mainline sewer pipes and/or pipes that run to your septic tank.

PuroClean’s process for sewage cleanup and sanitation in Chatsworth, CA

The PuroClean method for cleaning and remediating Category 3 water, which is sewer and polluted water backup cleaning and restoration as set forth by IICRC industry regulations, consisting of:

1. Ensuring safety for all employees and occupants by placing strict rules on site access to remediation personnel only in order to prevent health related occurrences.

2. Health & safety survey and complete building assessment.

3. Be thorough that all restoration specialists are equipped with the precise personal protection equipment (PPE). This includes but is not limited to:

  • Full face respirator
  • Full body suit protection
  • Nitrile and cut resistant gloves
  • Rubber boots with steel toes and shank

4. Put engineering controls in place, as well as critical barriers if needed to stop any cross-contamination from occurring.

5. Eliminating any and all probable safety risks if possible.

6. Eradication of bulk water, dirt, and contaminates.

7. Remove and dispose of all contaminated porous and semi-porous materials that are not able to be restored, which could include but is not limited to:

  • Hardwood flooring
  • Padded and upholstered items
  • Gypsum board
  • Carpet, rugs, pad, or underlayment
  • Vinyl flooring and underlayment

8. Cleaning procedures implemented, as well as the use of EPA registered biocides and antimicrobials

9. Full physical cleaning of all structure items that remain

10. It is recommended to schedule a third party Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) for a safety clearance test to ensure the entire site is returned to pre-loss condition for health and safety.

11. All materials affected by the water to be dried and returned to pre-loss dry conditions

12. Post restoration cleaning of all equipment used

13. Disposal of all demolished materials removed from the building

Call PuroClean for Professional Sewage Cleanup in Chatsworth, CA!

PuroClean technicians put to use state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning procedures to effectively restore and clean the affected building materials and items from your home or business. If a sewage drain pipe backup from blockage occurs, call our highly trained staff for sewage removal and cleaning services.

PuroClean has proved time after time that our services and our technicians are top quality, efficient, and work with care and compassion for all involved. PuroClean is your ideal damage restoration and cleaning professionals and we pledge to do whatever needs to be done to save and restore all properties in the communities we serve.

*Not all PuroClean offices offer sewage cleanup and sanitation cleaning services.

FAQ

Can pets at home spread the new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV, also known as COVID-19)?

There is currently no evidence that household pets can be infected with or transmit the Coronavirus.  However, the CDC recommends having limited contact with household pets and other animals until [...]

Will my insurance cover crime scene cleanup?

Most homeowners insurance will cover crime scene (biohazard) cleanup. We recommend that you consult your insurance agent/carrier to find out if you can make a claim for your particular circumstance. [...]

How contagious is the Coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organization, transmission appears to be limited; however, it is possible that older adults and persons who have underlying chronic medical conditions may be at risk [...]

How can I properly disinfect my home to keep it sanitary during my pregnancy after someone sick has visited my home?

As of March 17, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not have information specifically regarding how pregnant women are reacting to COVID-19 exposure. However, it should be noted [...]

Why can’t I clean up biohazard myself?

When a biohazard occurs, professionals are needed to clean and disinfect as improper treatment can spread contamination and lead to illness or life-threatening conditions. [...]