Safety
Important Safety Considerations After a Property Contamination Incident
Practical steps to protect people while you arrange professional help.
Why sewage is different from clean water damage
Water damage is categorized by how contaminated the source is. Clean-water leaks are one thing. Sewage backups and floodwater that has touched sewage or ground contaminants are considered heavily contaminated, because the water may carry disease-causing organisms. Materials that absorb it, such as carpet, padding, drywall and insulation, usually cannot be reliably decontaminated and are often removed.
Common causes in Mahoning Valley homes
- Main sewer line blockages caused by roots, grease or aging pipes.
- Heavy rain overwhelming a combined or older sewer system, pushing water back through floor drains.
- Sump pump or lift station failures in basements.
- Toilet or drain overflows that spread across finished floors.
What professionals do
- Stop the source. A plumber may need to clear a blockage or repair a line before cleanup can succeed.
- Extract. Standing water is removed using pumps and extraction equipment.
- Remove affected materials. Soaked carpet, padding, baseboards and drywall are cut out and removed as needed.
- Clean and disinfect. Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned and treated with products suited to the contamination.
- Dry. Structural drying equipment, such as air movers and dehumidifiers, is used to bring moisture levels down and reduce mold risk.
- Verify. Moisture readings are taken to confirm that materials are drying as expected.
Time matters, safety matters more
Mold can begin to grow on damp materials within a few days, so it is wise to call a provider promptly. But do not take risks to save time.
- Do not wade through sewage water without protection, and keep children and pets out.
- Do not run a household vacuum on wet material or use electrical items in standing water. Water and electricity can be a fatal combination.
- Do not mix cleaners to disinfect the area.
- If it is safe to do so, shut off electricity to affected areas and call a qualified electrician if water is near outlets or panels.
- Photograph the damage for insurance before moving things.
Insurance
Many standard homeowners policies exclude sewer backups unless a specific endorsement was added. Check your policy and contact your insurer early. A provider can explain what documentation they supply.
Frequently asked questions
Is sewage backup a biohazard?
Yes. Sewage can contain pathogens, so cleanup should be done with proper protection and disinfection rather than household methods.
Can I keep my carpet?
Carpet and padding that have been soaked by sewage are usually removed. Hard surfaces may be cleaned and disinfected. A provider can assess your materials.
What about mold?
Mold is a risk whenever materials stay damp. Drying promptly and thoroughly reduces it. If you suspect mold, mention it when you speak with a provider.
Sources and further reading
Helpful guides
Process
How Professional Biohazard Remediation Works
The stages of a professional remediation project, from first assessment to final review.
About this service. Youngstown Biohazard Cleanup is an independent referral service. We connect you with independent providers; they perform the work and set their own availability, qualifications and terms. Availability depends on location and provider capacity.