Sewage Backup Causes and Effects

A sewage backup refers to the unfortunate incident when sewage, the wastewater from our homes and businesses, flows back into our living spaces. This can be a highly unsanitary and hazardous situation that requires immediate attention from a professional Sewage Cleanup Service.

Causes of Sewage Backups:

• Clogged sewer lines
• Damaged sewer pipes
• Tree roots infiltrating sewer lines
• Heavy rainfall overwhelming sewer systems
• Equipment failures at wastewater treatment plants

Effects of Sewage Backups:

• Property damage due to water and sewage flooding
• Health hazards due to the presence of harmful bacteria and microorganisms
• Unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions

Cleanup and Disinfection of Sewage Backups

When a sewage backup occurs, professional Sewage Cleanup Service is essential to ensure proper cleanup and disinfection. These services involve the following steps:

1. Safety First

Safety is paramount when dealing with sewage backups. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and protective suits are worn by trained professionals to prevent contact with contaminated materials.

2. Removal of Sewage

Using specialized equipment, sewage is removed from the affected areas. This may involve using pumps or vacuum trucks to extract the sewage and transport it to a proper disposal site.

3. Cleaning and Disinfection

Once the sewage has been removed, the affected surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This involves using EPA-approved disinfectants to eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

4. Deodorization and Restoration

After cleaning and disinfection, deodorizers are used to eliminate any lingering odors. Restoration services may also be necessary to repair any damage caused by the sewage backup.

What Kills Sewage Bacteria?

Effective sewage cleanup requires the use of EPA-approved disinfectants that are specifically formulated to kill sewage bacteria. These disinfectants typically contain active ingredients such as:

• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
• Quaternary ammonium compounds
• Phenolic compounds

When using disinfectants, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure proper application and contact time for effective disinfection.