The Hidden Dangers of Sewage Backups: What Homeowners Need to Know About Proper Cleanup and Restoration

Imagine this: a peaceful evening at home, shattered by a dread-inducing gurgling of your toilet followed by a very distinct odor. This unpleasant scenario signals a sewage backup, a plumbing emergency rife with hidden dangers that can cause a biohazard situation in your home.

For Chicagoland homeowners, few disasters are as distressing as those involving sewage and flooding. Proper cleanup and restoration are crucial to protecting your property and your family’s well-being. 

Let’s delve into the pungent details of this unfortunately common occurrence, the immediate steps to take, and why professional assistance is essential for safe and thorough remediation.

Why Sewage Backups are a Serious Health Threat

Chicago was literally built on a swamp only a few feet above Lake Michigan, and in the 19th century, this led to streets full of mud, severe floods, and the deadly cholera epidemic of 1854. 

City leaders decided to raise the entire community by 4 to 14 feet with jackscrews and hydraulic lifts to make room for an underground sewer system. But despite technological advances like inlet restrictor valves (known as the “Rainblocker” program), flooding continues to be a major concern for property owners in this region. 

The Civil Engineering Research Foundation reports that the number of backed-up sewers is increasing at an alarming rate of about 3 percent annually, per the Insurance Information Institute. 

Dense urban areas have less available green space to soak up rainwater runoff from roofs, roads, and parking lots, meaning our aging underground pipes bear an even heavier burden. Sewage backups occur when wastewater cannot flow freely through the sewer lines, causing it to reverse direction and overflow through toilets, sinks, and drains. 

Sewage is a toxic stew of harmful microorganisms and poses significant health risks upon contact or inhalation due to bacteria and parasites like E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium. Exposure to these contaminants can lead to a host of health problems, ranging from mild irritations to life-threatening infections.

Diseases such as norovirus and hepatitis A spread through contact with contaminated water and cause severe flu-like symptoms and lasting liver damage. Illnesses like these can be especially challenging for children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised. 

This type of plumbing disaster can also destroy treasured belongings, while porous materials like furniture, carpets, hardwood flooring, and drywall soak in moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mycotoxins present in mold spores can pose a serious threat to your health and the integrity of your home.

The Importance of Immediate Action

While the temptation to tackle a sewage backup on your own may be strong, especially for cost-conscious homeowners, attempting DIY cleanup of a biohazard situation can be risky and ineffective — and could have unforeseen consequences.

Sewage cleanup necessitates specialized equipment, protective gear, and expertise to effectively remove contaminated materials, disinfect the affected areas, and prevent the spread of harmful pathogens.

Improper cleanup can leave behind invisible contaminants that can continue to pose health risks long after the visible mess has been addressed. Homeowners may inadvertently spread the contamination to other areas of the home, amplifying the problem and increasing the potential for exposure.

Your first step in this kind of emergency is to ensure the safety of your family; keep children and pets away from the mess, avoid direct contact with sewage material, and wear gloves, eye protection, and a respirator mask if it’s necessary to get close. Shut off the main water supply and power to that area of the house (if it’s safe to do so), and contact a licensed plumber immediately to determine the source of the problem.

When it comes to sewage backups, professional mitigation services are invaluable. Our experienced technicians at PuroClean of Evanston have the knowledge, equipment, and protocols necessary to handle sewage backups safely and effectively.

The restoration process typically involves several key steps:

• Assessment and containment: our team will assess the extent of the damage and contain the affected area to prevent the spread of contamination.
• Moisture extraction: high-powered pumps and vacuums are used to remove standing water and sewage from the premises.
• Disinfection and cleaning: specialized disinfectants and antimicrobial agents are applied to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants.
• Drying and dehumidification: industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers are deployed to thoroughly dry out the affected areas, which helps prevent mold growth.
• Repair and restoration: once the area is fully decontaminated and dried, our techs will provide a detailed plan for any necessary repairs or replacements of the drywall, flooring, or other interior elements.

Preventative Measures

While sewage backups can occur for various reasons, such as aging plumbing systems or heavy rainfall, there are steps homeowners can take to minimize their risk. 

Schedule regular plumbing inspections and maintenance to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Install backflow prevention devices to prevent sewage from backing up into your home, and drain guards in sinks and bathtubs. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items or pouring grease down drains, as these can contribute to clogs. 

Consider investing in a sump pump or sewage ejector system, especially if your home is in a low-lying area or has a history of backups.

When the unthinkable happens, PuroClean of Evanston is here to help you mitigate health risks, remove contaminants, and restore your home and life back to normal — save our number today!