Imagine this: you wake up in the morning, stumble to the bathroom, and are greeted by a horrifying scene of murky, brown water rising from your shower drain. Panic sets in. This isn't just any flood; it's a sewage backup, a homeowner's worst nightmare. It's a stressful, disgusting, and potentially dangerous situation that can leave you feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. But don't worry, you are not alone.
At Restore-It, we've guided numerous homeowners through challenging situations, offering expert guidance and professional restoration services to help them regain stability. As an IICRC-certified firm in Southern Arkansas with over a decade of experience, we know precisely how to assist you in overcoming these challenges, and we are ready to share our knowledge with you.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to take when facing a sewage flood, from initial safety precautions and damage assessment to DIY cleanup tips and advice on when to call in the professionals. We'll also cover crucial aspects like insurance coverage and potential health concerns, equipping you with the knowledge and resources needed to overcome this challenging situation.
Precautions to Take During a Sewage Flood
When facing a sewage flood, it's natural to want to act quickly. However, to ensure your safety and that of your family, it's crucial to follow specific procedures and take necessary precautions before attempting any cleanup.
- Avoid Contact with Sewage: Getting in contact with dirty sewage water exposes you (and your family) to several health risks. The Indiana Department of Health lists up to 15 diseases you may contract when exposed to these dirty waters. These can be particularly dangerous for people with conditions like an immunocompromised system.
- Wear Protective Gear: Avoiding contaminated water is very important for your safety, but if you need to cross it, wearing protective gear such as rubber boots, gloves, and a face mask is highly recommended.
- Disconnect Electrical Power: If the flooded area has not affected the power, turn off the main power to your home to avoid electrocution. However, if the area is inundated, contact your utility company so they shut off the power from the meter outside your home.
- Ventilate the Area: To prevent foul odors from accumulating in your house, open windows and doors to allow the area to "breathe."
Assessing Sewage Flood Damage
Now that you have taken safety precautions, you can start assessing the damage to fully understand the best course of action for the cleanup and recovery. This will let you know what areas to prioritize and what resources you need. Here are some things to consider when assessing the damage:
- Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the damage for your future insurance claim if it applies (we will discuss more on that later).
- Locate the Source of the Flood: Is it a broken pipe, a clogged drain, or something else?
- Identify the Affected Areas: How much of your property is affected? Building materials exposed to the contaminated water must be removed and replaced.
- Identify Contaminated Items: Porous materials may need to be discarded.
What to Do Right After a Sewage Flood
There are a few things you should do immediately after a sewage flood:
- Turn Off Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve: The first step in dealing with the situation is to mitigate the damage as much as possible. Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off to prevent further water intrusions. The valve can be found near the water meter, either in an access box near the front of the house or in the basement near where the water line enters.
- Get Help from the Pros: Consult a restoration specialist for a proper inspection, cleanup, and disinfection. They will be able to determine the extent of the damage, including the one that may be hidden (sewage can seep into insulation), and address the lingering moisture to prevent mold growth. Professional restoration companies have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively clean up sewage floods.
Tips to Avoid Sewage Floods in Your Property
Sewage backups are a homeowner's nightmare. Here's how to reduce your risk:
- Know Your System: Locate the main sewer cleanout and understand how your plumbing connects.
- Prevent Clogs: Avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper. Grease, feminine products, and "flushable" wipes are common culprits.
- Maintain Your Plumbing System: Schedule periodic plumbing inspections to catch potential problems early. A certified plumber can keep your pipes and drains in top shape.
- Heavy Rain Prep: If you're prone to flooding, consider a backwater valve to prevent sewage from backing into your home.
- Be Mindful of What You Plant: Avoid planting trees and shrubs near your sewer line to prevent their roots from invading your sewer lines. Consider regular inspections and root removal if necessary.
Understanding Your Insurance Policy
After ensuring everyone's safety, you might ask, will my insurance pay for the repairs? The answer is... maybe. Typically, sewage floods are not included in standard homeowners insurance policies, and interestingly, they aren't covered by "flood insurance" either, as that only addresses damage from external water sources (such as during a natural disaster).
If a covered peril, such as a burst pipe from freezing, damages the sewer line, resulting in a sewage flood, your standard policy might cover the damage to your home within your policy limits. That's why reviewing your policy and contacting your insurance company promptly after an incident is very important after a flood.
Is It Worth It to Invest in Sewer Backup Insurance?
If you want to be covered, you will need specific coverage for sewer backup, which most companies include as an add-on. While this comes with an extra price, there are good reasons to consider getting coverage:
- Unlike storm flooding, sewer backups occur due to blockages or failures within your home's pipes. A typical homeowners policy doesn't cover them unless you add this coverage by endorsement.
- The costs to fix sewer backups can be significant; just one inch of water may result in damages as high as $25,000.
- However, sewer backup coverage is generally less costly than flood insurance, making it a wise choice if you encounter an unpleasant scenario.
What You Need to Know About Health Risks
Sewage floods can pose several health risks, including:
- Harmful Bacteria and Viruses: Sewage teems with pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and hepatitis A, leading to gastrointestinal issues, infections, and even more severe illnesses.
- Parasites: Cryptosporidium and Giardia can cause prolonged diarrhea and other complications.
- Respiratory Issues: Mold spores thriving in damp, sewage-contaminated areas can trigger allergies and respiratory problems.
- Skin Infections: Open wounds or cuts exposed to sewage can lead to infections.
- Mental Health Impacts: Dealing with the aftermath of a sewage flood can be incredibly stressful and emotionally draining.
If you experience any health problems after a sewage flood, you should see a doctor immediately. You should contact professional restoration services to prevent the damage from expanding further.
In Conclusion
A sewage flood is among the most stressful and overwhelming situations a homeowner can face. However, you can safeguard yourself and your property by knowing how to implement safety measures, assess the damage, and take necessary immediate steps. For the cleanup process, we strongly advise entrusting it to professionals. Our skilled team at Restore-It can assist you with cleanup, disinfection, insurance claims, and repairs. Reach out to us to begin getting your life back on track now!
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