Backed-up sewage into the home is a problem no homeowner wants on their hands. But, sometimes, no matter what you do to prevent an issue, it happens anyway. When a home issue arises, the most important thing is to know how to respond. This way, you don’t cause further damage and can save money in the long run. Plus, protect yourself, your home, and your family from any health issues that can stem from these types of issues. In the case of sewage backup cleanup, it’s vital to know that it’s best to leave it to the professionals. If you don’t and attempt DIY cleanup, you could be facing a number of potential problems on top of the initial sewage complication.
1. If you Don’t Have the Right Tools for the Job, the Job Won’t Be Done Correctly
Surely, cleaning up water that’s runoff from a tub or shower with a mop and bucket is not an issue. But, when sewage comes into play, specialized tools are required for the efficient and safe removal of contaminated water. Professional clean-up services have these tools so that backed-up sewage is not only effectively removed, but done so in a way that doesn’t put others in contact with the potential hazard that is contaminated sewage water.
2. DIY Sewage Backup Cleanup Could Mean Potential Health Hazards
Did you know that sewage water poses risks to health? Sewage water that holds contaminants that can result in health-related issues is called ‘black water’. Blackwater is any type of water that contains elements of oil, grease, urine, and sewage. This type of standing water can be a prime environment for parasitic organisms that, when exposed to humans, can lead to a host of different issues. According to government findings, being exposed to black water can lead to the development of these illnesses:
- Campylobacteriosis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Escherichia coli Diarrhea
- Encephalitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Giardiasis
- Hepatitis A
- Leptospirosis
- Methaemoglobinaemia
- Poliomyelitis
- Salmonellosis
- Shigellosis
- Paratyphoid Fever
- Typhoid Fever
- Yersiniosis
So, exposing yourself to sewage water can lead to a number of health issues, including the above illnesses. Therefore, choosing a professional team that knows how to reduce and prevent exposure to sewage water during cleanup is best for the health of everyone involved.
3. DIY Can Actually Make the Issue Worse
Just cleaning up sewage water doesn’t solve the problem. So, if you see backup sewage water and just clean it up yourself, you’re not really solving any issue and more damage will happen over time. The best thing to do is to call the professionals who not only can clean up the backup sewage but diagnose and fix the issue that’s causing backup sewage water. This way, you don’t have to deal with this issue again in the near future. And, the problem doesn’t get worse to the point that you’ll be dishing out more money to fix it when it happens again.
4. It Can Lead to the Growth of Black Mold
When you attempt to clean up sewage backup on your own, there’s a risk of black mold growth. Water damage is the most common way that mold begins to grow in a home. So, without proper sewage backup cleanup from professionals using industrialized equipment that ensures no humidity and complete dryness post-cleanup, there’s a chance that your home will grow black mold.
Black mold is the most dangerous type of mold that grows in homes. It promotes a variety of health issues to those who are exposed, especially for babies, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. It’s definitely something you want to prevent when it comes to water damage. So, if you experience any sewage backup, it’s one of the biggest concerns.
Choose the Professionals to Handle Sewage Backup Cleanup
Don’t put yourself, your home, and your family at risk by attempting to clean up sewage backup yourself! Trust in the professionals like your South Florida experts at A Plus Mold Remediation. We’re highly experienced in dealing with water damage of all types, including sewage backup. And, possess the training, skills, and equipment needed to get the job done right the first time!