Obstructed sewer lines can release sewage; a thick, dark substance that forms. Sewage water is a serious health hazard and unsanitary; which contains 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 have sewage backup anywhere in your home or business . Quickly taking care of this will prevent the dangerous waste water from staying in occupied areas. To prevent a hazardous condition happening in your home or business, knowing what leads to the sewer problems could be extremely helpful. We’ve put together a list of things to aid in preventing and handling home or business sewage backups:

Why Sewage Backup Occurs

  • Drain Pipe Clogs – Sewage can infiltrate your home or business when either your drain lines or the main sewer line becomes clogged. For example, if one toilet creates a sewage backup, the drain connected to that toilet, or the mainline of more toilets, will likely also be obstructed.
  • Tree Roots – Trees with large roots can move into pipes and cause holes or alter the sewer line by encircling it. Even if the roots in your yard are not the problem, roots from nearby trees can reach your sewer pipe and damage it, causing a sewer backup. Always be aware of roots where your sewer lines to the street or septic system is placed.
  • Aging Sewer Lines – Older sewage systems can break down and crack, causing sewage backups and flooded homes and basements. The older your area’s houses are, the greater possibility of these types of issues.
  • Extreme Weather – Sudden large amounts of rain can put a strain on your city’s storm sewer lines. If the public systems can’t handle excess rainfall, the water can make its way into connected sewer lines, which can leave your home or business at risk of sewer backflows. City-wide flooding waters from events such as rising rivers and streams, hurricanes, and other micro events can also mix with sewage waste and other chemicals and harmful bacteria that can cause health-related issues. Extreme care and safety is needed when wading in these waters, and even when the flood recedes and begins to dry out. Dried out organic materials can then become aerosolized and become respirable. Proper PPE should be worn to avoid contact and risk of breathing in this harmful matter.

Our Simi Valley, CA sewage cleanup and sanitation process

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

1. To protect the safety of all occupants and workers by limiting jobsite traffic to restoration and cleaning personnel only to help stave off any health related situations.

2. Inspection of the jobsite along with health and safety surveys.

3. Be positive that all restoration specialists are equipped with the correct 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 utilized and condemnatory barricades used (if needed) stopping cross-contamination.

5. Removing any type of potential safety risks if at all possible.

6. Clearing the work area of all bulk water, soil, 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:

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

8. Implement cleaning procedures and use of EPA certified biocides and antimicrobials

9. Full physical cleaning of all structure items that remain

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 excess waters are to be dried and returned to pre-loss dry condition

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

13. Disposal of all remaining materials removed from the building

Call PuroClean for your Professional Simi Valley, CA Sewage Cleanup Needs!

What happens if a sewer main backup occurs in your dwelling or business? The correct answer is: Contact PuroClean! For the simple fact that PuroClean technicians are your ideal professionals for sewage removal and cleaning services. With state-of-the-art equipment and cleaning systems, we efficiently restore, repair and completely cleanse the affected parts in your home or business.

PuroClean has proved time after time that our work and our technicians are top quality, efficient, and work with care and empathy for all involved. We are your ideal damage restoration and cleaning group and we pledge to do whatever needs to happen to save and restore all properties in the communities we serve.

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

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