Understanding the Major Risks of Raw Sewage Cleanup

If your floor drains, bathtubs, or toilets back up, you may be able to clean small messes if you act fast. However, significant backups or those that remain unnoticed for prolonged periods demand professional sewage cleanup. Only trained crew members wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should work in sewage-contaminated settings.

Why Leave Raw Sewage Cleanup to a Professional?

Here are four health hazards of sewage that you protect yourself from by leaving the cleanup to a professional:

1. Diseases: Upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps are common symptoms of ingesting sewage-contaminated water. The bacteria, viruses, and parasites that thrive in sewer water may cause these and other more severe, long-term health problems. Let a professional decked out in the proper gear handle the cleanup process to prevent being exposed to diseases.
2. Gasses: Accidentally touching or ingesting sewage water can be detrimental, but you may breathe in harmful fumes just from being in the same room. Sewage can emit methane, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, all of which can be fatal at high concentrations. Professionals have access to respirators so they don’t breathe in these gasses. They’re also trained to work in confined, hazardous settings.
3. Blackwater contamination: Raw sewage is categorized as “blackwater,” indicating the most hazardous type of water contamination. When blackwater comes in contact with absorbent materials like carpet, upholstery, bedding, and clothes, it’s no longer safe to keep them. A professional can help you decide when the restoration is feasible and when it’s best to dispose of and replace items.
4. Hidden property damage: Water can soak into porous materials and seep through the tiniest cracks. When that water is laced with harmful pathogens, the damage is even worse. If you attempt DIY cleanup, what might seem like a thorough job could leave hidden damage behind, causing ongoing health concerns and possibly putting your home’s structural integrity at risk. Don’t chance it—leave raw sewage cleanup to the pros!

Request Raw Sewage Cleanup

If your home or business experiences a raw sewage backup, exit the building immediately and call Pacific Flood Restoration for help. We offer 24-hour, on-call emergency service, so you can reach us day or night. Our team arrives equipped to handle disasters of all sizes, safeguarding you from the risks of sewage cleanup.

The process begins with a comprehensive assessment and honest restoration estimate. We get to work extracting the contaminated water and dehumidifying the space. We also inspect the property for ongoing sewage leaks and perform any necessary plumbing repairs. Finally, we remediate mold growth, eliminate odors, and make the building habitable once more.

To request a San Diego sewage cleanup consultation, please call us at 832-294-5462 or contact us online today. We serve Encinitas, Solana Beach, Vista, and other communities across North County.