Has your toilet ever backed up more than a normal clog, or has a sewage pipe burst in your yard causing serious sewage damage?
Did you think, “Can I handle this myself?”
The impulse to save money and tackle the problem yourself is entirely understandable.
But is it the safest choice?
Sewage damage is a nightmare. It poses serious health risks, not to mention damage to your property.
Before you grab your gloves and dive in, let’s explore what it takes for sanitation and restoration before deciding if DIY sewage backup cleaning is a good idea.
Understanding the dangers of sewage damage
Health hazards
Sewage is more than dirty water; it contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. When there is a backup, it leads to exposure to these harmful toxins.
Raw sewage is a breeding ground for pathogens that cause illnesses such as hepatitis A, diarrhea, and severe gastrointestinal issues.
Touching contaminated surfaces or items, especially if there are already cuts or sores, may lead to skin infections.
The health dangers aren’t limited to direct contact; contaminated water can spread into consumables and kitchen utensils.
Structural risks
Improper sewage waste disposal may lead to severe structural issues within your home.
Prolonged exposure to sewage water causes extensive water damage, compromising the integrity of flooring and insulation materials.
You might even see mold growth if you don’t address the situation quickly and properly.
Ignoring or mishandling sewage creates hazardous environments beyond health risks.
The complexity of proper cleanup
Effective sewage backup cleaning goes beyond the surface level.
Proper remediation requires Industrial-grade tools and protective gear, which are typically not accessible to most homeowners.
In addition to equipment, having technical knowledge plays a role in the safe extraction, sanitization, and sewage waste disposal.
Professionals trained in sewage management follow necessary protocols to prevent health risks and biohazards from spreading. Hidden contaminants seep into the soil or porous materials, posing long-term risks if not caught, and professionals have the resources to find and remove those contaminants.
Legal and insurance implications
When dealing with sewage backup cleaning, you need to comply with local regulations when dealing with sewage backup cleaning.
Most areas have specific rules about how to clean up and dispose of sewage to protect public health and the environment. Before starting any cleanup, check with your local health department for regulations in your area. This not only keeps you compliant but also helps avoid further damage.
Additionally, the way you handle sewage damage will impact your insurance claims. Many insurance policies have strict provisions regarding the cleanup and repair processes.
If you attempt to manage the damage yourself without following prescribed protocols or neglect to report the incident promptly, you might risk voiding your coverage or facing reduced payouts.
Insurers typically require certified professionals equipped to handle hazardous materials safely to carry out cleanup.
Document any actions taken and communicate openly with your insurance provider at every step for your claims process to go smoothly.
The cost of DIY vs. professional help
When faced with water damage from a sewage backup to broken pipes, you must make decisions fast.
Are you going to handle it yourself?
Do you need to call a professional?
What’s the best way to restore your home or property?
Let’s look at the different approaches you can take.
DIY approach
Taking the DIY route may seem to be the money-saving route. You save on labor costs and have the flexibility to work at your own pace. Basic supplies such as dehumidifiers, fans, cleaning agents, and protective gear are easy to find at local hardware stores.
Plus, there are online resources and tutorials to guide you through the process of assessing and addressing water damage.
Seems easy enough, right?
There are, however, a lot of risks associated with doing it yourself.
Without a thorough understanding of water and sewage damage restoration, it’s easy to overlook issues — think hidden mold growth or structural damage — that could lead to long-term consequences.
And if you make any mistakes you might cause further damage, requiring even more expensive repairs. Any mistake or additional damage might also void or limit any insurance claim payout you might have received otherwise.
Professional help
Hiring a professional company to handle your restoration and sewage waste disposal may have a higher upfront cost, but the benefits often justify the expense.
Professionals know what kind of damage to look for and will spot potential problem spots before they become one.
It’s easy to fix what you can see, but professionals will be able to do a more thorough inspection, give an accurate assessment of the damage and what it takes to restore it and prevent future issues like mold growth from arising.
Many companies also include warranties or guarantees to provide peace of mind and confidence in their work. If something does go wrong, they will make it right.
And to help you avoid the biggest headache, many restoration companies work directly with insurance providers when you need to submit a claim.
The bottom line
Ultimately, when deciding whether to do it yourself or hire a professional, consider the extent of the damage, your own skill levels, and the local laws and regulations.
A good rule of thumb is to always err on the side of caution, meaning calling a professional is most likely the better option.
Common causes of sewage backups
Having a basic understanding of some of the common causes of sewage damage will help you prevent future problems.
Clogged pipes are a major culprit, often caused by flushing items like wipes, feminine products, or grease. Tree roots also invade sewer lines, creating blockages over time.
Aging sewer lines are another issue. Older pipes may crack or collapse, leading to backups.
Weather is another common culprit. Heavy rain or flooding can overwhelm sewer systems, forcing wastewater back into your home. Installing a backwater valve or sump pump may help prevent this.
Signs you should call a professional immediately
There are times when calling a professional is the only option. These situations require immediate intervention for your safety.
Here are moments when calling in experts becomes non-negotiable:
The extent of the damage
If you experience extensive flooding, particularly in a mobile home park or residential area, contact professionals right away.
Flooding that involves sewage can escalate into a public health crisis. Scenarios that warrant urgent professional help include:
Backflow into multiple rooms
If sewage or contaminated water is backing up into multiple rooms, a problem within your plumbing system requires immediate attention.
This situation poses a risk of contamination to the property and increases the likelihood of health hazards.
Rapidly spreading contamination
Immediately alert professionals if you see sewage water flowing towards storm drains or public areas.
They have the tools and experience to contain and mitigate the problem before it becomes a public health issue.
Health symptoms after exposure
Exposure to sewage is a major health concern.
If you or anyone around you begins to exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or skin rashes after being in proximity to sewage, seek medical attention immediately.
Contact experts for cleanup when there are:
- Infection Risks: Sewage harbors harmful bacteria and pathogens, leading to serious health complications.
- Lingering Health Hazards: Even if symptoms seem mild at first, exposure to untreated sewage can cause long-term respiratory, gastrointestinal, or skin conditions.
Professionals know how to handle hazardous materials safely and properly decontaminate affected areas. Don’t expose yourself to unnecessary health risks; trust the professionals with the proper equipment and skill set.
Persistent odors or stains
Lingering odors or stains after a sewage backup cleaning indicate that the cleanup process was incomplete. If you notice:
- Foul Smells: Persistent sewage smells signal that contaminants are still there.
- Visible Stains or Discoloration: Stains on floors, walls, or carpets may indicate trapped contaminants.
If, after initial cleaning efforts, there are still stains or foul odors, it’s time to call in the professionals. Leaving these issues will allow them to continue releasing harmful bacteria into the air and cause further damage to your property.
To get rid of the lingering smells or discolorations, it requires more than basic household cleaning supplies. These require professional-grade deodorization and sanitation techniques to ensure they are permanently disposed of.
Call Restoremasters when you need sewage damage repair
If you’re experiencing sewage damage or the lingering signs of water damage, don’t wait to resolve it. Protect yourself and your family, and contact a professional like Restoremasters right away.
At Restoremasters, we specialize in reliable sewage damage repair, offering prompt and professional service to contain, clean, and restore affected areas.
Your safety and well-being are our priority. Let our team handle any emergency restoration, from sewage damage to fire and water restoration.
From initial containment to complete decontamination and restoration, we are ready to restore your home or property to its former glory.
Don’t take risks with your health or property — trust Restoremasters to deliver the dependable and thorough service you need. Contact us today to schedule your sewage damage repair, and let us help you get back to normal.
