Think about the things that are flushed or disposed of via your kitchen sink, dishwasher or washing machine daily. Now think about a smelly, stagnant pool of these materials swirling in your basement. Not a pretty picture, right? Right. Unfortunately, finding sewage in a basement is an all too common occurrence.
A sewage backup in a basement is one of the most panic-inducing situations a homeowner may face. If you’ve discovered sewage in your basement, you need professional help, immediately.
No matter how overwhelmed you may be feeling, try to stay calm and – before you do anything else – follow these instructions:
- Call for professional help, immediately.
- If you have a septic tank that is the source of the backup, call your septic tank company’s emergency number.
- If your home operates on public sewage, call a 24/7 plumber.
- After contacting a plumber, call (619) 469-8955 to schedule basement water damage mitigation and remediation from Christian Brothers Emergency Building Services.
Raw Sewage in a Basement Can Be Toxic
Sewage consists of wastewater, which is made up of human waste and other debris. Exposure to raw sewage, not just by touch but also by breathing in the surrounding air, leaves you vulnerable to diseases like hepatitis and E. coli. Homeowners should always assume that potential pathogens, bacteria, fungi and viruses are present in sewage contamination
No matter the length of exposure, porous materials affected by sewage should be disposed of due to the inability to clean all areas of saturation. The longer raw sewage remains on your basement floor, the more likely it is to threaten the health of you and your family.
Remediation should begin as soon as possible. Occupants should stay out of the area of contamination and anyone that is immunocompromised should leave the premises until the remediation is complete
Raw Sewage Remediation Begins with a Professional Plumber