When most of us hear the word sewage we think gross, disgusting, filthy, disease-ridden, yuck; which are all accurate descriptions. Sewage is nasty muck that none of us want anywhere near our property, let alone, soaking into our carpets or stinking up our furniture. But it happens- sewage backups happen- in our homes and in our businesses. And then as horrified, panic-stricken, and fighting-to-keep-the-vomit-down property owners, what do we do?!

If a sewage backup occurs, do these things right away:

• Do not flush the toilets.
• Keep all children and pets away from the sewage.
• Wear rubber gloves when handling anything contaminated with sewage. Wash hands immediately afterwards. Never touch raw sewage with bare hands.
• Call your local sewer department if your home or business is served by a municipal sewer system. The problem may be with a city sewer line, and backed up sewer lines, line breaks, sewage odors and overflowing manholes are all considered emergencies to municipalities.
• Call your homeowner’s insurance carrier or your local insurance agent. The problem may be in the sewer lateral of your home or business. In this case, the owner is responsible for maintaining and cleaning the sewer lateral from the building to the City sewer line (including the connection). Your insurance agent will advise you according to your coverage, and most likely recommend a restoration company who knows how to deal with property damage due to sewage backups.
• Call a professional water damage restoration company, such as Joe Taylor Restoration, if your insurance company does not have one that they recommend.

According to the IICRC, sewage is not only repulsive, but it is also one of the most dangerous substances to enter homes or buildings. It contains fungi, bacteria and viruses, many of which are disease-causing. Everyone recognizes its vile nature, but unfortunately, many people fail to understand the extreme hazards that sewage and sewage backup presents, particularly for the very young or very old, or for those with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems. Therefore, only the most highly trained professionals, experienced in dealing with biohazards, should be employed for sewage remediation work.

http://www.iicrc.org/consumers/care/water-damage/

Joe Taylor Restoration has almost 15 years of experience dealing with all types of water and biohazard damage, including sewage cleanup. We are also the preferred vendor for over 45 insurance carriers in Florida, meaning that your homeowner’s insurance carrier and your local insurance agent will likely refer us when you contact them with a sewage backup. Do not hesitate, if you’re faced with a sewage backup, call Joe Taylor Restoration.We are prepared to handle even the worst sewage situations in your home or business and will restore your property to a healthy environment. 

Related posts: Sewage Damage: Prevention and Cleanup