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 save money 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 water damage professionals, properly equipped with EPA protective gear 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 widespread 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 floodwater reaches your house, it may be dangerously contaminated.
Here are some reasons why experts advise contacting a qualified and licensed 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.
Rytech Restoration's technicians are trained on the importance of using the appropriate products to protect property owners from potential health risks and environmental hazards. The goal is to remove the risk of further contamination and minimize health issues.
Randy Arnold - Director Of Training & Development
Certified water damage companies, like Rytech Restoration, are trained to use the right disinfectants for effective and safe sewage cleanup. Choosing the right disinfectants for sewage cleanup is an important step in ensuring the safety of those involved in the cleanup process. When selecting a disinfectant, it is important to consider its effectiveness against a range of bacterial, viral, and fungal organisms. Disinfectants with quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorine compounds, and hydrogen peroxide compounds are generally considered to be effective against a wide range of pathogens. It is also important to consider the safety of the product, its environmental impact, and the cost associated with its use. For more information on selecting the right disinfectants for sewage cleanup, consult safety resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
In conclusion, the risks of raw sewage cleanup are too great to attempt on your own. Not only can it pose a serious health risk, but it can also leave behind potentially dangerous residue that can continue to contaminate your home. It is best to contact a certified and licensed water damage recovery expert with the experience, protective gear, and disinfectants necessary to safely and thoroughly clean up the affected area. With the right tools and expertise, raw sewage cleanup can be done efficiently and effectively, ensuring the safety of the property and its occupants.
