24/7 Emergency ServiceWhat to Do When Sewage Leaks | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.
Sewage leaks are not something many of us even want to talk about, and we certainly don’t want to ever deal with them in our home or office. While they may not cause the same amount of damage as some other disasters that can happen, sewage leaks can make a real, stinky mess.
While we may not want to think about possible sewage leaks, they are quite common and can happen anywhere. Understanding how to respond is crucial for getting things put back together quickly and safely.
A sewage backup is often caused by a clog or blockage. When it can’t run down a pipe well, wastewater finds its way up sink drains, tubs and showers. Sewage leaks can also occur when your water line or pipes are damaged.
However a leak starts, the most important thing to remember is to try not to touch the water. When a flood or leak enters a building, it is classified in three different ways—white water, gray water and black water. White water and gray water originate from a source that is considered clear of toxins, but black water comes from a toxic source. Sewage leaks are black water and can contain viruses, bacteria and microbes.
Stay out of the water, and go find your water shutoff valve to stop any further spreading of the leak. Open windows and turn fans on around the area in order to help eliminate fumes. Block the area off so that no one else can access the area, including pets and children.
At SERVPRO, our technicians are highly trained and certified to handle a multitude of biohazardous situations quickly and safely. From the moment you call us, night or day, your recovery process begins. We will gather information over the phone in order to put together a team and the appropriate equipment for your unique situation.
While you are waiting for our team to make it to your property, safely take some photos of the area. Even if these aren’t images you want to revisit, having documentation will help make insurance claims easier. These pictures can also help our crew better determine exactly what your restoration is going to entail.
When our team gets there, our professionals will start assessing the situation in order to identify the cause of the leak. Removing water and sewage will also be a top priority. Since we are dealing with a toxic leak, we will be in protective gear in order to handle everything as safely as possible. During this part of the process it is best if you can stay away to avoid the toxins.
As recovery continues, we will make sure that the source of the leak is fixed, any subsequent damages are repaired and the whole area is thoroughly deep-cleaned. Your space will be sanitized and odors will be addressed as well. When we are done, we will make sure there are no lingering odors and everything is the way you want it.
Stinky sewage in our space is not something anyone ever wants to imagine, but if you end up with a leak, call us. We will get everything safe and clean fast.
Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO, and we will take care of you.