Waking up one morning to discover a sewage flood in your home is truly the stuff of nightmares. And as terrible as this case can be, it's a reality for many unsuspected homeowners. Not knowing how to handle the situation safely can endanger you and your family.
Understandably, you might feel lost if you find yourself in this position. But that's where Restore-It comes to the rescue!
So, dear reader, stay with us and learn about the risks as well as the proper steps to take when dealing with sewage problems. Get ready to learn how to protect yourself and your family!
What is Sewage Water Anyway?
Sewage water is very different from your average spill. Classified as "black water" or "category 3" in the restoration industry, sewage water is a different beast compared to the water from a leaky pipe. This contaminated water is a toxic cocktail of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other harmful substances.
Due to its degree of contamination, it poses serious health risks upon exposure. Exposure can affect a person's health from direct contact to inhalation of airborne particles or ingesting contaminated food or water. When dealing with a sewage flood, it is best to leave it to the professionals. They have the gear and know-how to handle it safely and ensure your home is truly clean and safe again.
Sewage Floods: Symptoms After Exposure
Before modern plumbing, waste flowed in the streets, causing widespread illness from poor sanitation. Although we've moved past those days, exposure to raw sewage can still occur from toilets, septic tanks, sinks, tubs, or floor drain overflow.
The health risks associated with sewage damage range from mild to severe, depending on the type and amount of exposure. Common symptoms to watch for after contact with wastewater include:
Gastrointestinal Issues
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
Respiratory Problems
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma attacks
Skin Infections
- Rashes
- Sores
- Itching
- Burning
Eye and Ear Infections
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Earaches (otalgia)
- Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)
If you or a family member presents any of these symptoms after exposure to sewage water, we strongly suggest you consider medical attention to discard any potentially severe disease. This is especially important for vulnerable populations, which we will discuss in more detail further down this article.
Sewage-Related Illnesses: What You Need to Know
Exposure to sewage water can lead to various illnesses, some more serious than others. According to the Indiana Department of Health, here is the list of diseases that can be found after wastewater contamination:
Gastrointestinal Diseases
- Gastroenteritis: Symptoms are upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
- Campylobacteriosis: Same or similar symptoms to gastroenteritis, but including bloody diarrhea.
- Cryptosporidiosis: Can cause watery diarrhea and stomach cramps.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): Can cause severe diarrhea, sometimes bloody, and can be dangerous for vulnerable people.
- Giardiasis: Another diarrhea-causing parasite.
- Cholera, Dysentery, Typhoid Fever, and Paratyphoid Fever: These are more serious infections that cause severe diarrhea and other complications.
- Salmonellosis and Shigellosis: These bacterial infections cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps and can be more severe for vulnerable groups.
- Yersiniosis: Mainly affects young children, causing fever, abdominal pain, and often bloody diarrhea.
Liver Issues
- Hepatitis A: This affects the liver and can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Nervous System Problems
- Tetanus: Causes painful muscle spasms and can be severe if not treated.
- Encephalitis: This brain inflammation can cause fever, headache, confusion, and even seizures. It's spread by mosquitoes that breed in polluted water.
- Poliomyelitis: This viral infection can cause paralysis in rare cases.
Other Serious Concerns
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can cause various symptoms, from fever and chills to kidney and liver problems.
- Methaemoglobinaemia ("Blue-Baby Syndrome"): This is a serious condition that affects infants who ingest contaminated water, causing breathing problems and a bluish skin color.
Vulnerable Populations: Take Extra Precautions
Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to the health risks of sewage damage, including:
- Young children
- Elderly individuals
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised)
If you or someone in your household falls into one of these categories, it's crucial to take extra precautions to avoid exposure to sewage.
Top Priority: Protecting Yourself and Your Family
Safety should be your number one priority when dealing with sewage damage. Here are some essential tips to protect yourself and your family:
- Leave the Area: If there's a lot of sewage, it's best to leave. Call a professional cleaning company. They know how to handle it safely.
- Protect Yourself: If you must move through sewage water, wear gloves, boots, and a mask. This will prevent direct contact with the contaminated water and airborne particles. Also, the contaminated clothes should be discarded or left for professional cleanup.
- Wash Up: Always wash your hands with soap and water after being near sewage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and following their 5 steps (wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry). If you have any cuts or open wounds, clean them immediately and see a doctor if needed.
- Don't Touch Stuff: Avoid touching anything in contact with the wastewater. We are talking about things like furniture, carpets, and clothes. They will either need to be cleaned by professionals or thrown away.
- Clean Everything: After the sewage is gone, disinfect the affected area. This will kill any leftover germs.
Professional Sewage Restoration: Your Best Bet
Dealing with sewage damage is not a DIY project. It's a complex and potentially dangerous situation that requires professional expertise and equipment. A qualified restoration company can:
- Safely remove the sewage and contaminated materials.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected area.
- Dry and dehumidify the area to prevent mold growth.
- Repair or replace damaged materials.
- Restore your home to its pre-loss condition.
Don't Risk Your Health: Call Restore-It!
Sewage damage is a serious health hazard, and it's crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones. Awareness of all possible complications and symptoms and tips to diminish exposure will empower you to make the right decisions. Now that you know how to prevent health risks, your next step is to contact a professional restoration company as soon as possible.
Here at Restore-It, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to address the problem safely and effectively, minimize the health risks, and restore your home to a safe and healthy environment. Remember, your health is your most valuable asset. Don't risk it by trying to tackle sewage damage alone. Call the experts at Restore-It today, and let us handle the dirty work for you.
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