Sewage flooding in any home is a critical condition that needs to be addressed immediately. The foul odor from sewer backup creates an uncomfortable home environment. Also, it becomes a breeding place for bacteria and other microorganisms that can harm people’s health.
Considering the consequences of sewage flooding, individuals might decide on DIY cleanup to mitigate the effects. However, they try to save money by cleaning themselves, but they cause other problems. Below are the risks of DIY sewage flood cleanup in residential areas.
Mold Infestation
Sewer flooding leads to the growth of mold when drain cleaning isn’t done effectively and on time. DIY cleaning mechanisms leave some moisture, which stimulates biological growth. Mold reproduces by producing spores that easily spread to other parts of the property. Consequently, they compromise the building’s structural integrity, leading to expensive repairs.
Additionally, biological growth is harmful to human health. They produce irritants, allergens, and toxic substances that cause allergic reactions when they come into contact with an individual’s body. In severe circumstances, molds cause major respiratory issues such as mold-induced asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Individuals with chronic infections like lung complications and weak immune systems develop serious conditions which can be fatal. It would be best if homeowners were careful when cleaning moldy surfaces. They should wear protective gear, such as gloves, to avoid direct contact with the surfaces. Most importantly, they should hire experts who know the safety steps to be followed when cleaning.
You End up Paying More
Cleaning drainage floods can be costly. Thus, most homeowners are forced to weigh the cost of hiring an expert versus following DIY strategies. Individuals prefer DIY approaches since they seem less expensive. However, this is different considering the cleaning tools and equipment. The disinfectant used to finish up the cleaning exercise is also quite pricey. In addition, individuals may neglect some tasks or spots during the process, which develop into serious problems in the future.
For instance, they may ignore mold patches on walls, which later lead to infections. Removing these patches can be costly in the long run since they will have spread to other areas on the property. Furthermore, reoccurrence is prevalent, although most people think their homes are safe after cleaning and drying everything.
Lack of Professional Expertise Can Worsen the Job
DIY strategies are usually discouraged for most home projects because professionalism is required when handling them. Experts have the technical know-how and experience to tackle sewer cleaning services. In addition, they thoroughly inspect the entire system, identify issues, and correct them before they escalate into more serious concerns. Furthermore, they can determine the problem’s root cause and address it accordingly. The major cause of drain flooding is obstructions in the sewer pipes, which lead to backups. Most people need help determining the cause of the flooding and solving the issue, which increases the chances of repeated flooding.
Moreover, cleaning flooded sewers requires specialized equipment, which is unavailable in some home stores. When following DIY strategies, people tend to use the available equipment to dry the sewers. Inappropriate tools lead to inefficiency and repeat problems.
Risk of Electrocution
Water damage from the sewer system increases the danger of electrocution. There could be faulty electrical wiring in contact with the floodwater. Individuals using DIY methods may accidentally brush against the exposed wires and suffer an electric shock. Or, they can touch other charged materials around the sewer system. Sewerage flooding also increases the risk of explosions. It will be helpful if people take the correct precautionary measures if DIY cleanup is inevitable. Some preventive measures include turning off the electrical circuits from the main switch if they are wet or near the flooded area.
Moreover, they shouldn’t enter the floodwater to access the main power switch. Calling a certified electrician would be helpful. Homeowners should only turn on the electric system after an inspection by a technician. Also, they should ensure all the electrical appliances in contact with floodwater are completely dry before operating them again.
Presence of Harmful Microorganisms
Besides containing waste substances, sewer floodwater consists of harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Thus, individuals who get into contact with this water during cleanup are more susceptible to serious health complications. Some health concerns include hepatitis B. The microorganisms causing this infection are in the waste substances in flood water. Drain cleaners should also avoid hand-to-mouth contact and other open body parts since they serve as entry points.
Other infections caused by bacteria include cholera and polio, which become life-threatening when left untreated. Inhaling the air near the sewer system is also harmful. They should, therefore, put on standard masks to avoid inhaling the contaminated air. Cleaners must understand the risks associated with DIY methods and take the correct precautionary measures.
Foul Smell That Doesn’t Seem to Go Away
When the sewerage is stagnant, it starts producing bad odors. As mentioned, blockages in the system create an environment perfect for bacteria. These microorganisms have pretty nasty smells. DIY solutions may not effectively eliminate some of these odors. Homeowners lack the skills to remove all the water, leaving some stagnant water that stinks. Also, biological growth after a flood or emergency is common. The molds also cause bad orders. They are the aftereffects of ineffective DIY strategies.
Exposing One’s Feet To the Sewage May Cause a Wound
Accidents may happen in the kitchen, causing glass kitchenware to break. The pieces may accidentally end up in the sewage system. Glass fragments may end up in the flood zone after the sewer system becomes clogged. This way, it is easier for a person to step on the blades during DIY cleanup and sustain severe cuts on the foot or other body parts. Depending on the type of flooding, open wounds increase susceptibility to other serious infections.
Individuals may also develop painful and itchy rashes on the cut areas, which later swell and begin weeping pus. People should have the appropriate personal protective equipment before starting the cleanup. These PPEs include gumboots and gloves.
Due to the difficulty and health risks of DIY sewage cleanup, homeowners should leave these tasks to professionals. Experts have the right knowledge and experience to handle the situation effectively and eliminate the chances of a reoccurrence. In addition, they have all the tools and machinery to restore any home sewerage system to normal operation in no time.
