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

Causes of Sewage Backup

  • Drain Pipe Clogs – Sewage can back up into your home or business when either your drain pipes or the main sewer line becomes clogged. For example, if one commode creates a sewage backup, the drain connected to that toilet, or the mainline of multiple toilets, will likely also be obstructed.
  • Tree Roots – Trees with large roots can move into pipes and cause holes or crush the sewer line by growing around it. Even if the roots on your property are not the problem, roots from adjoining property can reach your sewer pipe and damage it, causing a sewer backup. Always be watching for roots where your sewer lines to the street or septic system is located.
  • Damaged Sewer Lines – Older sewage systems can break down and crack, creating sewage backups and flooded homes and basements. The older your area’s houses are, the greater possibility of these types of problems.
  • Extreme Weather – Heavy amounts of rain can put a strain on your town’s storm sewer lines. If the public storm sewers can’t handle excess rainfall, the water can make its way into connected sewer lines, which will put your home or business at risk of sewer backflows. Area-wide flooding waters from events like rising rivers and streams, hurricanes, and other isolated events can also mix with sewage waste and other chemicals and harmful bacteria that can lead to health-related issues. Extreme care and safety is needed when wading in these waters, and even when the water recedes and begins to dry out. Dried out organic matter can then become aerosolized and become respirable. Proper PPE should be worn to prevent contact and risk of breathing in these contaminants.

Our Flower Mound, TX sewage cleanup and sanitation process

Our methods for Category 3 water (also known as sewer and contaminated water backup) cleaning, adhering to the IICRC industry guidelines, consists of:

1. Ensure all employees and occupants stay safe by restricting access to the site to remediation employees only in order to stop any health-related problems.

2. Health and Safety checks and assessment of the entire work premises.

3. Ensure all remediation personnel are outfitted with the proper personal protection equipment (PPE). This can include but is not limited to:

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

4. Use established engineering controls, critical barriers, to alleviate cross-contamination.

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

6. Bulk water, soil, and contaminates removal

7. Disposal of all contaminated porous and semi-porous materials that are not restorable, which can include but are not limited to:

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

8. Cleaning methods put in place and the use of EPA approved biocides and antimicrobials

9. Physical cleaning of all remaining structure items

10. It is suggested to hire a third party Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) for a safety clearance test to ensure the building is returned to pre-loss condition for health and safety.

11. Drying of all materials affected by the sewage intrusion back to pre-loss dry standard

12. All equipment used on the project to be cleaned after restoration completion

13. Disposal of all demo materials removed from the site

Call PuroClean for Professional Sewage Cleanup in Flower Mound, TX!

Call the PuroClean specialists for sewage abatement, cleaning and restoration. Whether it’s from a clogged toilet, flood waters or sewage drain backups to take care of the problem for your home or business. PuroClean uses the newest, state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning systems to completely and efficiently clean and restore all affected objects and structures.

The high standard of our sewage removal and cleaning services along with the timeliness in which we complete the work, and the sheer compassion we demonstrate throughout the process make PuroClean your complete flood damage restoration and remediation company. PuroClean pledges to do whatever it takes to save, clean and restore all properties that lie within our service neighborhoods.

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

FAQ

What is Biohazard?

Biohazards are any biological contaminants such as those found in sewage, mold, or any viral or bacterial contamination such as MRSA. Biohazards also include toxins found in decaying organisms, as well as [...]

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. [...]

How can I keep my home sterilized when taking care of someone with COVID-19?

As with any virus, the Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and any respiratory droplets come in contact with another person.  Keeping a good distance from infected [...]

What should I do in a social setting if someone closeby is coughing or sneezing?

If someone in close proximity to you is coughing or sneezing, be sure to maintain at least 6 feet (2 meters) distance between yourself and the person who is coughing [...]

Will my insurance cover crime scene cleanup?

Insurance policies have many variables, while Crime Scene or Biohazard cleanup is often covered it is very important that you consult your insurance broker or agent to determine your specific [...]