4 Misconceptions About Sewage Damage You Need To Know

It's no secret that sewage damage is a dirty business. Among cleanup activities, this one is definitely the least you want to do yourself if you can't afford a pro.

Not only it is unappealing to but dealing with sewage can also be pose health hazards. Especially if you have kids at home or a family member is sick, you may want to delegate this task to a professional to make sure everything is well taken care of.

Raw sewage is among the most harmful contaminates that can enter a home or office. It is important to understand that the bacterium and micro organisms that live inside this sewage can be fatal to you and your family.

You may have heard a lot about this problem and how to handle it, but not everything you heard can be true. There are misconceptions about how to handle sewage damage that you need to know in order to be prepared.

Sewage Damage Misconception 1: Sewage That Comes From a Body of Water Is Clean

Sewage that comes from a river for example is just as harmful if not more so. That's because of the unique micro organisms that survive in the sewage from the river. Avoid coming into contact with this sewage if you encounter it. If you need to touch it, be sure to wear a mask, gloves, goggles, and rubber boots. Do not let the sewage come in direct contact with you in any way.

Sewage Damage Misconception 2: You Can Rescue Carpets That Have Been Contaminated Through Sewage Damage.

Because of the deep pores in carpets and area rugs, a proper cleaning after contamination is impossible. If a carpet has been exposed at all to sewage via direct contact, then the carpet must be disposed of.

Sewage Damage Misconception 3: If One Area Of A Buildings Been Victim To Sewage Damage, The Rest Of The Building Is Safe.

Unless the building you are in has the ability to fully cordon off a level, while preventing cross contamination throughout the building, the entire place should be evacuated until the sewage damage has been repaired by professionals.

Sewage Damage Misconception 4: Chlorine Will Decontaminate Sewage.

Bleach will eventually kill the remainder of bacterium that remains on surfaces, however during the initial contamination; you cannot neutralize the sewage by exposing it to bleach.

Sewage carries many different parasites that can immediately attack the human body. It is important to take a contamination very seriously.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the official certification and governing association for professional flood damage restoration companies. You can find information on their web site, or by calling directly.

When you find yourself in a situation where sewage is involved remember that the consequences of contaminating yourself with the sewage can mean hepatitis, gastroenteritis, Weil's disease, asthma attacks, skin or eye infections, & death.

Do not touch or breathe in any sewage, and contact professionals immediately.