A sewer backup happens when the wastewater doesn’t drain away from the property because of damage or obstruction. It usually occurs in the main sewer line that is connecting the property to the municipal sanitary sewers. In case you’ve ever experienced this, you know that having a commercial sewage removal service in San Diego, CA on speed dial can be a lifesaver.
If you don’t address it as soon as it occurs, it will continue to fill the sewer drain pipes and lines and this will create a backup. Letting the professionals handle it can ensure that your property is safe from any damages caused by the sewage backup.
Here you can learn more about the dangers of sewer backup and how to handle it if it happens on your commercial property. You’ll also be able to recognize if the sewage is backing up on your property, so read on!
Is sewage backup a health hazard?
The main thing that makes sewage backup dangerous is airborne contamination. While you should never even come into contact with raw sewage because of all the bacteria, inhaling the vapors can make things worse. You risk getting gastroenteritis that, if untreated, can lead to vomiting, fever, cramping, and in some cases, even death.
Other diseases are:
- Acanthomoeba
- E. Coli
- Helicobacter Pylori
- Salmonella
- Leptospirosis
- Hepatitis
- Coronavirus
Also, the toxins from the sewage can cause a person to develop asthma and shortness of breath. This is why you should never attempt to repair the damages of sewer backup yourself, as the experts have the proper safety equipment to avoid contamination.
In addition, getting in contact with the pathogens that are present in sewage can also lead to:
- Ear infections
- Eye infections
- Skin infections
- Sore throat
- Stomach bugs
- Chest infections
- Organ damage
While this sounds serious, many people don’t take seriously the fact that sewer diseases can easily be transmitted just by neglecting basic hygiene. Any open wound is like an invitation to the bacteria, and not washing your hands frequently can also cause it to enter your body without much hassle.
How long does it take to get sick after exposure to sewage?
The first symptoms typically appear within 24 to 48 hours after you’ve been exposed. However, in some cases it can take several weeks or sometimes even months for them to fully develop. This onset period can depend on different factors, including:
- Your overall immunity and health status
- The concentration and type of pathogens you’ve been exposed to
- For how long you’ve been exposed and whether it was through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion
In any case, a crucial step right after reaching out to a commercial sewage removal service in San Diego to mitigate the damage and any health hazards is to seek immediate medical attention in order to prevent long-term health complications.
How do you handle sewer backup in commercial properties?
If you experience a sewage backup on your commercial property, you should immediately close it up and vacate the premises. In case your business is at risk of losing income, you should look into some of the insurance programs, or extend your current program to cover plumbing emergencies.
The next thing to do is to hire an expert team of contractors that can handle the sewage reparation, maintenance, and prevention of any disasters in the future. When looking into the team, make sure that they perform scheduled inspections and take proper safety measures when dealing with this type of problem.
The experts can then assess the damage, repair, and clean up the sewage system on your commercial property and give you the best advice on how to prevent this from happening again. Regular inspections are a perfect choice here, as they’re done once every few months.
The most common culprits of sewer backups in commercial buildings are:
- Tree roots
- Downspouts
- Gutters
- Sump pumps
- Municipal sewer problems
If you notice that your drains are being slower than usual, this is already an indication of an issue in the sewage system. Be cautious and call the professionals as soon as you suspect such a problem.
How long does sewage contamination last?
Depending on the location of the spill, different surfaces will be contaminated, including floors, walls, furniture, and appliances. Bacteria that adhere to surfaces like stone, plastic, and metal can survive for long periods of time. For instance, the amount of bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella doubles every 20 minutes, which means that it’s necessary to rely on dependable commercial sewage backup cleaning services in San Diego to ensure your business facility is safe again.
Drying out an enclosed area such as a crawl space or basement can take weeks, with microorganisms continuing to grow as long as the area is humid. In addition, items like carpets or insulation soak up the liquid easily, allowing for germs and bacteria to linger.
Some surfaces that are made of hard materials such as concrete are easier to clean. However, other items like carpeting, appliances, and furniture may need deep cleaning and disinfection and in some cases, you may even need to dispose of them. Your experts will carefully analyze the situation, suggest the best measures to take, and provide you with an estimate of how long a full remediation can take place.
What is the cost of commercial sewage removal service?
The cost can depend on several factors which include the extent of damage, the size of the affected area, as well as the type of your business.
Depending on the complexity of the situation, it may be necessary to perform actions such as water extraction, decontamination, and odor removal, which can also impact the commercial sewage removal cost.
In addition, the urgency of the situation can also affect the price, so it’s best to contact your trusted provider who will assess the specific needs, suggest a proper solution, and give you a precise estimate.
Who can I call for a comprehensive commercial sewage removal service in San Diego, CA?
If you’ve had trouble with sewage backup at your property, or you want to prevent it from happening, give a call to Risk Free Serv! We can provide you with professional assistance when dealing with any type of sewer problem. Instead of worrying about diseases and dangers, take a relaxing day off and visit Balboa Park with your loved ones. Contact us today!