Unique Cleanup Challenges from Sewage Contamination
Water damage cleanup can be a long and difficult process in general, but when the water damage involves sewer waste, the cleanup becomes decidedly more complicated. On the scale of water damage, sewage is the worst kind in terms of cleanup and risks to health. Ensuring personal safety and restoring sanitary conditions are the most important parts of water damage cleanup involving sewage contaminated water–or black water.
The presence of bacteria and harmful microorganisms in water is the biggest threat to property and personal possessions and must be remedied as quickly as possible as damage worsens and health risks increase the longer the contaminated water remains. This type of water damage requires the involvement of a professional water damage restoration contractor.
Water Extraction
The first step is to extract the water from the affected area. This involves the use of powerful pumps to remove the water quickly. Water damage cleanup professionals will have the equipment and knowledge to get this done in the shortest amount of time. What’s more, you want to make sure the contaminated water is properly disposed of, so calling a professional is always better in these situations. Any kind of water damage is problematic and should be addressed by a professional extraction and cleanup service, but sewage contaminated water should never be an exception .
Cleanup and Drying
The cleanup process from contaminated water is extremely important. Having this done professionally will ensure that all contaminated matter is removed and the entire affected area thoroughly sanitized. To prevent mold growth, the affected area needs to also be thoroughly dried. Specialized dryers are used to completely remove moisture from the area. To aid this process, the room should be properly ventilated after water extraction and throughout the cleanup process. Depending on the severity of the damage and the length of time passed before the damage was addressed, cleaning may take some time. You may need to maintain ongoing cleaning and disinfecting of the area to completely rid the area of contamination.
Restoration
Finally, once all of the water has been extracted, the area dried and cleaned, you may need to restore any physical damage to the affected area. This may include repairing water damage to baseboards, walls, doors, floorboards, and replacing or carpet cleaning. If any appliances or other possessions were affected you will likely have to thoroughly clean them or possibly replace them. You may also need to have contents cleaned and restored. The restoration process can be a time consuming endeavor and a professional restoration company can help with this if the damage is extensive.
