Raw Sewage Cleanup: Not a Good DIY Project

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Confronted by raw sewage cleanup, you’d probably rather not do it yourself in the first place. Still, some homeowners may attempt the job on their own to economize, or because they’re simply unaware of the hazards. Also known in the industry as “black water,” raw sewage is classified as Category 3 on the toxic water hazard scale (there’s no Category 4.) Environmental experts warn all persons exposed to raw sewage to assume that potentially dangerous pathogens are present. Cleanup is a job for trained professionals, properly equipped with safety equipment and disinfectants specifically designed for the job.

Raw sewage can contaminate your home in more than one way:

       A clogged sewer line between your house and the municipal sewer main at the street or septic tank can reflux sewage back into your premises.

       Sewage may reflux into residences if the local municipal sewer system or treatment facility is inundated with water, such as in general flooding.

      Floodwater originating from an overflowing river or lake, or an ocean storm surge, may pick up raw sewage as it spreads through populated areas, swamping septic tanks and sewer pipes. By the time that floodwater reaches your house, it may be dangerously contaminated.

Here are some reasons why experts advise contacting a qualified water damage recovery expert if raw sewage cleanup is required:

         Untreated sewage is commonly grossly contaminated by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and other disease-causing microorganisms.

      Hazardous sewage-borne pathogens may infect an inexperienced and inadequately protected person by simple contact with bare skin, inhalation, and accidental transfer from hands to mouth or eyes.

      Shoes or clothes may transfer toxic sewage residue from the affected areas to silently contaminate “safe” parts of the house.

         DIY clean-up methods with consumer-grade disinfectants may be inadequate to thoroughly decontaminate the premises. Contaminated residue from sewage that soaked into building materials and infiltrated the structure of the house may form an ongoing source of potential infection and disease.

For your own safety and the health of your family, leave raw sewage cleanup to the professionals at SERVPRO