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Sewage flooding, typically occurring in the basement or bathroom, is a critical problem that needs to be addressed immediately. While there are minor flooding incidents that you can tackle yourself, sewage flood cleanup involves several risks that would not make it DIY-friendly. If you’re considering cleaning up sewage flooding yourself, you may put your health, home, and wallet at risk.
Why DIY Sewage Flood Cleanup Is Risky
Sewage flooding in South Merced homes often happens in basements or bathrooms, creating an urgent issue that needs immediate attention. While minor water damage may be manageable, sewage flood cleanup poses unique health and safety risks, making it unsuitable for DIY. Attempting it yourself can put your health, home, and finances at serious risk.
Health Risks of DIY Sewage Flood Cleanup
Sewage consists of greywater (from utilities like sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers) or worse – black water. It’s the water used to flush toilets mixed with the human waste that it flushes away. Sewage backups in your home can result from different causes – clogs in the home’s drain pipes, tree roots, damaged sewer lines, and more.
Sewage, especially black water, contains contaminants ranging from parasites and viruses to bacteria and fungi. Contact with sewage without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and following proper procedures is a serious threat to your health. There’s the risk of contracting over a dozen diseases, such as hepatitis A and encephalitis.
Mold growth is another risk when attempting DIY sewage cleanup. Mold exposure can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems. Flooding provides ideal conditions for mold to develop as it only needs moisture, organic material, and optimal temperature. What’s worse – it can grow within just 24 to 48 hours of the incident.
However, the greatest danger is not the risk of disease but the risk of electrocution or explosion. Never enter a flooded area or light matches until the utility companies have shut off the electric and gas service. If you detect or smell gas, immediately evacuate your home and notify the gas company.
You should also never enter your home if you did not turn off the main power switch before flooding. Touching electrical lines, wires, equipment, and fixtures during and after a flood can be dangerous even with the power switched off.
Why Sewage Flood Cleanup Needs Professional Restoration
Water damage worsens over time, meaning delays in cleanup lead to greater damage. Without quick, expert intervention, carpets, walls, furniture, and other belongings may suffer lasting harm.
Professionals bring both equipment and expertise to sewage flood restoration, using industry-standard safety protocols and remediation techniques that most homeowners lack access to.
Here’s what professionals, like our IICRC-certified team at PuroClean of South Merced, do to restore your property:
- Pump out contaminated water and remove all debris.
- Identify and repair the source of the sewage backup.
- Replace damaged drywall and flooring as necessary.
- Dry the affected area with industrial dehumidifiers and air scrubbers.
- Sanitize thoroughly with specialized cleaners to eliminate bacteria and mold, helping protect your property and health.
Our professional restoration team can also assist with the insurance claims process, ensuring a smooth experience during this challenging time.
The Takeaway
Considering the risks involved in DIY sewage cleanup, it’s best to leave this critical task to certified professionals. PuroClean of South Merced offers 24/7 emergency response, so you can trust us to handle your sewage flood cleanup quickly and safely.
Call PuroClean of South Merced today at (209) 720-4653 for expert sewage flood restoration services.
