Insurance Providers

Sewage backflows into buildings are a nasty occurrence to the occupant of a home or office. They come on suddenly and without warning. Proper emergency services, including removal of gross contamination, repair of the blockage, and introduction of refrigerant dehumidification to stabilize the loss are essential. 

The removal of occupants is dependent upon many factors including the health status of the occupants and access to bathrooms and kitchens. Generally sewage loss do not pose serious health consequences if the loss is managed properly. As a rule individuals should be protected with gloves, respirator and proper suits when coming into contact with sewage. Washing of hands is essential when leaving a sewer loss. The use of blowers and desiccant dehumidifications should be avoided unless used in a contained environment under negative pressure.

This type of loss should only be managed by a reputable restorer with years of experience and training to remediate this condition. Usually an environmental company will write the scope of repairs so as to insure that the remediation of backflow is done properly.

Remediation of backflows are done in accordance with the International Institute of Restoration Remediation Certification S500 1999 Standard and Reference Guide. This guide was developed by a panel of scientists and industry experts to provide guidelines for the industry in remediation of sewage backflows. Also the Red Cross and FEMA (federal emergency management agency) have a joint booklet on addressing the procedures for remediating homes from floods. Addressing this issue properly will prevent further problems from secondary mold growth that can occur if all structural materials remain wet and the presence of endotoxins if sewage contamination is not removed.

For more information, see this article:
Fungi and Sewage Contamination in Water Losses