As homeowners, we often don’t give much thought to our crawl spaces until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, when it comes to sewage backup in crawl spaces, the consequences can be dire.
Not only is it unpleasant to deal with the mess, but it can also be a serious health hazard. If you’re currently dealing with sewage in your crawl space, it’s important to act quickly to address the issue by seeking sewage clean up services.
Sewage backup can lead to the growth of dangerous bacteria and mold, as well as the release of harmful gasses like methane and hydrogen sulfide. In this blog post, we’ll explore why sewage in crawl spaces is a health hazard and how you can protect your home from the risks.
Why Sewage In Crawl Spaces Can Pose A Significant Health Hazard.
Bacterial Contamination
Sewage contains a variety of harmful bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, which can cause serious illness if ingested or come into contact with open wounds.
In addition, sewage backup can also lead to the growth of mold, which can exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma.
Methane Gas
Sewage contains methane gas, which can be explosive in high concentrations. Methane is also a simple asphyxiant, meaning that it can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, leading to suffocation.
In addition, methane is odorless and colorless, making it difficult to detect without specialized equipment.
Hydrogen Sulfide Gas
Sewage also contains hydrogen sulfide gas, which can be extremely toxic in high concentrations. High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can be lethal, but even low concentrations can induce respiratory problems like coughing and shortness of breath.
After going through some of the dangers connected with sewage backup in crawl spaces, let’s look at some precautions you may do to safeguard your house:
Regular maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent sewage backup in your crawl space is to maintain your plumbing system. This covers routine drain and pipe cleaning and maintenance, as well as proper waste and household chemical disposal.
Also, it’s a good idea to have a professional evaluate your plumbing system on a regular basis to identify any potential concerns before they worsen.
Install a backflow prevention device
A backflow prevention device is designed to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home’s plumbing system in the event of a main sewer line backup. If you reside in a region where there is a high danger of floods or significant rainfall, this may be especially critical.
Install a sump pump
A sump pump is designed to remove excess water from your crawl space and pump it out of your home. This can be particularly important in areas with high groundwater levels or heavy rainfall, as excess water can contribute to sewage backup.
Inspect your crawl space regularly
Regular inspections of your crawl space can help you catch potential issues before they become major problems. Look for signs of moisture, like standing water or dampness, as well as signs of sewage backup, like a foul odor or visible waste.
To stop future harm, it’s critical to address any problems as soon as you see them.
Hire a professional sewage cleanup service
If you experience sewage backup in your crawl space, it’s important to seek the assistance of a professional sewage cleanup service. These professionals have the necessary expertise, training, and equipment to safely and effectively remove the sewage and sanitize the area.
Attempting to clean up sewage on your own can be hazardous and may exacerbate the contamination and health risks.
By hiring a qualified and experienced service provider, you can ensure that the affected area is properly cleaned and disinfected, minimizing any potential health hazards.
What steps should be taken if a sewage backup occurs in your crawl space, in addition to preventative measures?
Evacuate the area
If you notice sewage backup in your crawl space, it’s important to evacuate the area immediately. This can help to prevent exposure to harmful gasses and bacteria.
Turn off your home’s main water supply
Turning off your home’s main water supply can help to prevent further sewage backup and water damage.
Call a professional sewage cleanup service
It is important to seek the assistance of a professional sewage cleanup service in order to ensure that the affected area is properly cleaned and disinfected.
Professionals who specialize in sewage cleanup have the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to handle the situation safely and effectively.
By hiring a reputable and experienced service provider, you can be confident that the area will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and that any potential health risks will be minimized.
Document the damage
Before cleanup begins, it’s important to document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos and videos of the affected area, as well as any damaged items.
