Raw Sewage In Washington DC Homes | SI Restoration

About The Author

Jeff  owns with his brother Mike Cohn own  SI Restoration a water damage and sewage clean up company . He and his company have removed and remediated over 5,000 mold removal/ remediation projects .

Jeff offers sewage cleanup in the Baltimore and Washington DC a free consultation and free estimate for mold removal or mold remediation.

You can call anytime day or night at 410-458-5371

Raw Sewage

Raw sewage can have big effects on human health and the environment. When raw sewage gets into water sources it can spread disease and other health issues. One of the most common symptoms of exposure to contaminated water is diarrhea which can range from mild to severe.

In some cases the diarrhea may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Raw Sewage Present

Raw sewage in water can also breed harmful bacteria and viruses as one of many health conditions . These pathogens can cause a variety of illnesses including, gastrointestinal tract infections, chronic diarrhea, respiratory infections and skin infections. Other health conditions may also be present .

Algal Blooms

Raw sewage can also contribute to algal blooms which can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals.

Sewage Cleanup Process

Sewage cleanup is a process that requires professional expertise to be safe and effective. The process begins with an assessment of the affected area to determine the extent of the contamination and what needs to be done to remediate.

Once the assessment is complete professionals will use specialized equipment and personal protective gear to remove raw sewage and contaminated materials.

The first step is to remove standing water and debris with powerful pumps and vacuums. Then a thorough cleaning and disinfection of all affected surfaces to remove bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Specialized Cleaning Agents

Specialized cleaning agents and disinfectants are used in digestive process to make sure all pathogens are eliminated and no further health risks.

After the cleaning process dehumidifiers and air scrubbers are deployed to dry out the area and improve air quality. This is crucial to prevent mold growth which can happen rapidly in damp environments.

Professionals will also test the air quality to make sure the environment is safe to occupy.Throughout the sewage cleanup process safety is the top priority.

Technicians are trained to handle hazardous materials and follow strict protocols to protect themselves and the occupants of the property.

Proper disposal of contaminated materials is also critical to prevent environmental contamination.

In addition to the physical cleanup professionals may also provide guidance on how to prevent future sewage backups and recommend repairs or improvements to the property’s plumbing system.

This comprehensive approach ensures the property is restored to a safe and habitable condition and minimize the risk of future incidents.

By leaving sewage cleanup to experienced professionals property owners can ensure their home or business is thoroughly cleaned and safe for occupants and reduce the risk of health issues from exposure to raw sewage.

IICRC S500 Guidelines for Correct Sewage Cleanup

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S500 Guidelines provides a framework for proper cleanup and restoration of sewage contaminated environments.

These guidelines emphasize the importance of a systematic approach to manage all serious health conditions and safety risks.

The IICRC S500 Guidelines outlines the steps for sewage cleanup starting with an assessment of the affected area. This assessment helps determine the extent of contamination and what hazards are present so a customized remediation plan can be developed.

PPE

The guidelines recommend the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect workers from exposure to pathogens during the cleanup process.

A key part of the IICRC S500 Guidelines is the categorization of water damage. Sewage contamination is classified as Category 3 water damage which is a serious health risk due to the presence of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.

The guidelines stress the need for immediate action to prevent the spread of contamination from contaminated food and minimize secondary damage like mold growth.

The cleanup process involves removal of contaminated materials then cleaning and disinfecting with EPA approved agents. The guidelines emphasize the need for thorough drying to prevent mold and microbial growth and recommends the use of dehumidifiers and air movers to achieve the best results.

Documentation

In addition to the physical cleanup the IICRC S500 Guidelines emphasizes the importance of documentation and communication throughout the process. Detailed records of the cleanup including photos and notes will ensure transparency and accountability.

Good communication with property owners and other stakeholders is critical to manage expectations and ensure a successful restoration.By following the IICRC S500 Guidelines sewage cleanup is done safely and effectively and minimizes the risk of health issues and gets the affected area back to a safe and habitable condition.

Why Choose A IICRC Certified Sewage Backup Cleanup Company ? 

SI Restoration has been cleaning sewer backups for over 35 years . We are IICRC certified and Maryland licensed  to work with hazardous waste . Although anyone can clean sewage backups and sewer backups, it is highly recommended by most health organizations to have a professional handle sewage backups and sewer backups . 

The IICRC S500 Guidelines gives exact instructions on how to correctly clean up sewer backups and sewage backups. 

Property damage caused by sewage backups are handled much differently than clean water cleanup situations. 

Property damage sewer backups can be determined by seeing toilet paper , but that's not the only way . If the property damage is caused for any type of contaminated source , assume it's a sewage backup. 

Remember to wear rubber boots and protective clothing if you or the contractor is cleaning up the sewer backup. 

Your insurance company in most cased will pay for a professional company to clean and restore. 

Sewage Damage Risks: Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Raw sewage damage can have serious effects on those who are exposed to it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 7 million people a year get sick from exposure to raw sewage. 7% of those 7 million become severely or fatally ill.

Exposure

Exposure to raw sewage can disrupt the digestive system causing gastrointestinal issues like foamy stools, constipation, diarrhea and changes in stool appearance. The the small intestine and large intestine also can be affected causing malabsorption and other digestive issues.

Although some illnesses are caused by raw sewage being found in drinking water most of the cases are due to sewage or dirty water damage exposure.

Three main health risks are present due to raw sewage exposure: viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Bacteria

Campylobacter can cause Campylobacteriosis. If left untreated the bacterial infection can become blood borne causing life threatening infection. Campylobacterisosis can also cause bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting.

Escherichia coli, or E. coli

One of the most well known bacteria to the general public is Escherichia coli, or E. coli for short. E. coli can develop into the fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome which can cause kidney failure or death if liver disease is not addressed properly upon initial infection.

More common symptoms in its early stages include bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting. Another common bacteria is salmonella which can cause Salmonellosis. Most property owners are familiar with this bacteria because of under cooked or over processed foods and raw food products like meats and poultry being left on countertops or consumed.

But this bacteria thrives in raw sewage and can cause severe diarrhea, cramping and high fevers. Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can affect the digestive tract causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

Other bacteria to look out for is Leptospira and Shigella.Of the more harmful parasites that can be found in raw sewage, Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis can cause Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis respectively. These parasitic infections are the two most common water borne diseases in the continental United States and cause similar symptoms like diarrhea, loose stool, cramping and fevers.

To avoid the need for mold remediation services after a catastrophic raw sewage damage event, property owners should act fast. Mold can grow in as little as a few days to 48 hours after the affected area was contaminated by the dirty water.

For more information on raw sewage, water damage or mold please call us at the number above or contact us

Get Medical Help

If you have persistent or severe foamy poop you should get medical help. A doctor can diagnose the underlying medical condition that cause other gastrointestinal symptoms and recommend treatment. In some cases foamy stool can be a sign of serious underlying condition like malabsorption disorders or pancreatitis.

Foamy Poop

In some cases foamy yellow poop that can be a sign of a serious underlying condition like a gastrointestinal infection or digestive disorder. Get medical help immediately if you experience any of additional symptoms of the following:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Vomiting blood or black tarry stools

• Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)

• Signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, dark urine or decreased urine output

• Blood in the stool or black tarry stools

By being aware of these symptoms and getting medical help in time you can address potential health issues and reduce symptoms even before they become serious.