Unfortunately, sewer systems can get blocked and cause major hassle for homeowners. When this kind of blockage occurs, wastewater, instead of flowing through the drainage pipes, comes back as nasty black fluid. This type of problem must be controlled and should be handled by professionals who specialize in sewage removal and can come to your rescue in San Diego.
However, every homeowner should be familiar with the dangers of having a sewage blockage in their home. This can help them react promptly and prevent this problem from causing even more damage to the property.
Is backed up sewage dangerous?
Short answer: yes. If you can see some early hints of sewage backup, make sure to act quickly and call your plumber since living in a contaminated home is dangerous. Wastewater often contains both home and industrial waste and toxic materials. You can get in contact with many harmful bacteria that may endanger your health.
One of the notorious and widespread bacteria that can be found in the sewer system is Echerichia coli. Infections triggered by this bacteria will lead to vomiting, cramping, severe types of diarrhea, and dehydration.
Also, your liver can be greatly affected by hepatitis A virus which can be found in sewage. One of the common ways to get infected, whether it’s Echerichia Coli or hepatitis A is hand-to-mouth contact. Contamination through small cuts on the skin is also a usual way of getting sick.
However, it’s not just physical contact you should worry about. Sewage backup may also contain harmful airborne particles. When inhaled, these particles can irritate your respiratory tract and cause shortness of breath or induce asthma. Furthermore, it can lead to significant deterioration of your gastrointestinal tract. If left untreated and without any medical help, the condition of the infected individual can get worse significantly with fever, vomiting, and even death.
Is it safe to stay in a house with sewage backup?
If you notice a rotten egg smell in your home, it may be a sewer gas. This hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic and flammable gas that can cause:
- Sore throat and cough
- Shortness of breath
- Eye irritation and eye damage
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of breath and
- Death
This is a very serious problem that can endanger your and your family’s health. Sewer gas is toxic even in low levels. It is a good call to find temporary accommodation rather than to stay in a house without water to drink and a working toilet. You and your family should move out while professionals clean up the mess.
How long does sewage contamination last?
In most cases, it is strongly recommended to avoid any contact with contaminated items for at least 24 hours, but it can take up to three days to disinfect everything after a sewage backup. Therefore, it’s important to call the pros who will inspect the damage, pump out the wastewater, thoroughly clean the area, and apply a chemical disinfectant.
Afterward, remember to ventilate your home and try to clean up your sewage backup. If there are some items or possessions that you cannot properly clean and disinfect, you should throw them away.
What if I need sewage removal assistance in San Diego?
Sewage-related issues can quickly turn into a major problem, so it’s important to act quickly as soon as you notice the first signs of blockage. And there’s no better option than to contact the leading specialist in the area – Risk Free Serv!
We are a fully certified restoration contractor in San Diego that brings professional sewage removal services to homeowners, as well as water restoration and mold remediation assistance. While you are having a pleasant afternoon and admiring exceptional art in San Diego Museum of Art, our experienced group of technicians will deal with your problem.
Call us now and see for yourself!