When sewer lines become blocked, the thick, black water that forms as sewage is a health danger, and is extremely unsanitary as it consists of contaminants such as pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that may pose a risk of severe illness if exposed to people or animals. If you have a sewer backed up in your basement, or your toilet backs up, you will need to fix it quickly, or you will end up with sewage all over your home or business. Knowing what causes sewer backups, however, may help you avoid a hazardous situation in your basement, home or business. Following is a list of items that may help to prevent and handle sewage backups:

Sewage Backup Causes

  • Drain Pipe Blockages – Sewage can infiltrate 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 leading to that toilet, or the mainline of many toilets, will likely also be clogged.
  • Tree Roots – Trees with large roots can move into pipes and cause holes or alter the sewer line by growing around it. Even if the roots in your yard are not the problem, roots from nearby trees can reach your sewer line and damage it, forcing a sewer backup. Always be aware of roots where your sewer lines to the street or septic system is placed.
  • Damaged Sewer Lines – Aging sewage systems can break down and crack, causing sewage blockages and flooded homes and basements. The older your neighborhood is, the greater chance of these types of issues.
  • Extreme Weather – Heavy amounts of rain can overburden your area’s storm sewer lines. If the public systems can’t handle large amounts of rainfall, the water can make its way into connected sewer lines, which can leave your home or business at risk of water backflows. Area-wide flooding waters from events such as rising rivers and streams, hurricanes, and other micro events can also combine with sewage waste and other chemicals and contaminants that can cause health-related issues. Extreme caution is needed when wading in these waters, and even when the flood recedes and begins to dry out. Dried up organic matter can then become aerosolized and become respirable. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn to avoid contact and the danger of breathing in these contaminants.

PuroClean’s process for sewage cleanup and sanitation in Reno, NV

The PuroClean method for cleaning and restoring Category 3 water, which is sewer and contaminated water backup cleaning and restoration identified by IICRC industry standards, consisting of:

1. To protect the safety of all occupants and workers by limiting jobsite traffic to restoration and cleanup personnel only to help stop any health related problems.

2. Assessment of the jobsite and Health and Safety surveys.

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

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

4. Engineering controls put in place and condemnatory barriers used (if needed) preventing cross-contamination.

5. Completely getting rid of any potential safety risks if possible.

6. Bulk water, soil, and contaminates removal

7. Removing any and all porous and semi-porous contaminated articles that are unable to be salvaged, which includes 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. Physical cleaning of all remaining structure items

10. A third-party Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is recommended to perform clearance testing, to ensure the building is returned to a pre-loss condition for health and safety.

11. All materials affected by water to be dried and returned to pre-loss condition

12. After completion of remediation – Cleaning of all equipment used

13. Disposal of all demolished materials removed from the site

For the Perfect Professional Reno, NV Sewage Cleanup Company, Call PuroClean Today!

If a sewage drain line backup occurs in your home or business, reach out to the PuroClean specialists for sewage removal and cleaning services. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning systems to efficiently remediate the damaged building materials and contents.

We have proved time after time that our methods and our specialists are top quality, efficient, and work with care and kindness for all involved. PuroClean is your ideal damage restoration and cleaning group 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 provide sewage cleanup and sanitation cleaning services.

"Josh was awesome. I had some flooding in my basement. I called and they came immediately. Highly recommended."

MCKAY W

"Josh from PuroClean of South Reno was so professional, did a great job of cleaning my carpets, made sure he left everything back in the proper place and had a great attitude! I highly recommend [...]

TARYN S

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. [...]

What does BBP mean?

Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens [...]

Is blood a biohazard?

Blood itself is not a biohazard, it’s what may be in the potentially hazardous blood, such as bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) or infectious microorganisms, that can cause diseases. [...]

Will my insurance cover crime scene cleanup?

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