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When seeing a sewage backup, the first thing most people think of is the need to clean and disinfect, but there are many hidden dangers that come with the cleanup. Sewage backups bring a variety of contaminants ranging from bacteria to parasites into your home, which can be incredibly detrimental to your health if proper precaution isn’t taken. To ensure your safety and help you avoid any potential long-term effects on your health or property value, it is important to understand how best to properly clean up after these types of incidents. In this blog post, we will discuss the hidden dangers associated with sewage backup cleanup and best practices for ensuring both you and your home remain safe during the process.

The most obvious health risk associated with sewage backup is the variety of bacteria and parasites that can be present in the affected area. These can range from E. coli to Giardia, both of which can cause serious illness if ingested or inhaled. Additionally, when exposed to feces and other contaminants, you may be at risk for viruses like Hepatitis A, which can cause severe illnesses but are relatively easy to prevent through proper hygiene practices.

Another potential danger of sewage backup cleanup is the possibility of mold growth due to prolonged moisture in the area. Without proper ventilation and drying techniques during the cleaning process, mold spores may begin growing quickly and become a long-term issue for your home’s air quality. It is important to ensure that all areas are completely dried out and the relative humidity is low in order to avoid any potential mold growth.

Finally, there is the risk of property damage if the contaminated area isn’t properly cleaned or disinfected. Since sewage backups can contain a variety of contaminants, it is important to use appropriate cleaning agents that will not only remove surface contaminants but also penetrate deep into porous materials such as carpeting and wood flooring. If these surfaces are not properly sanitized, they may become permanently stained or even start growing mold and mildew.

When dealing with a sewage backup, it is of paramount importance to take the necessary safety precautions before beginning any work on the cleanup process. This includes wearing protective clothing such as gloves, boots, goggles and a respiratory mask; having appropriate tools for handling potentially hazardous materials; and disposing of all items that may have come into contact with contaminated water. It is also wise to hire professionals who are experienced in tackling these types of jobs, as they will have access to the proper equipment and training to ensure that all debris is properly disposed of and that no one’s health is put at risk from exposure to hazardous materials. 

Sewer backups can cause serious and costly damages. Not only do you have to contend with the mess and damage that it causes, but you also are exposed to a wide variety of contaminants that are extremely hazardous to your health. The best way to avoid dealing with this situation is by taking preventive measures such as using a backwater valve, conducting regular inspections of plumbing systems, and being aware of environmental issues that can lead to blockages or overflows in your area. If these steps should fail, it’s important to contact a professional such as our team from Drying Tech PWC immediately. Be sure not to take chances – contact us today without delay if you experience any kind of wastewater problem. We are committed to excellence and our certified professionals offer 24-hour emergency services for your convenience!