Categorization for Water Damage from Flooding Disasters

Types of Water Contamination After a Flood

While most developed countries have set measures to counter flooding, sewage backup disasters, water damage, finding areas affected during rainstorms is not unusual. Sometimes, the rain pours so heavily that the measures put in place cannot stop the water from destroying property. This is why most people have their homes insured against flood damage.

Regardless of the disaster’s nature, a flood can be perilous. It’s essential to comprehend the many floodwater types that cause contamination and the toxins they encompass if you want to stay safe. This mainly applies to private drinking water wells subjected to contamination following flooding.

When people talk about flooding, they mostly think of hazards such as drowning, electrocution, and other accidents that can occur in the event of a flood. Additionally, contamination, one of the major effects of flooding, poses a significant threat to your well-being and should be taken into account. There are three main categories of floodwater you should consider.

Clean Water

Clean water is defined as floodwater that poses no imminent harm to health. It appears apparent, no? Floods containing clean water can be caused by broken equipment, overflowing toilets, melting ice, and rainfall. Home floods caused by clean water are typically safe to clear on your own, but keep in mind that timing is pivotal. When the standing clean water remains in the same position for more than 48 hours, it becomes impure and unsafe for you to handle.

Greywater

Floodwater that is not feces-contaminated is known as greywater. Greywater is domestic wastewater, including water from sinks, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and bathrooms. It often has fewer bacteria and can be recycled for uses other than drinking, including flushing toilets. This water can make you ill if you swallow it since it still has trace quantities of pollutants.

Greywater flooding can be brought on by a weather phenomenon, an overloaded device or plumbing accessory, or even a damaged pipeline. It can soak up carpeting, furnishings, and drywall, causing significant damage. When starting the cleaning procedure after a greywater flood in your home, exercise caution. Once clean flood water mixes with grey water, it becomes toxic.

Blackwater

This is wastewater that has been polluted with feces or other garbage. Blackwater, produced by flush toilets and bidets, includes toilet tissue and human excrement, including urine and feces. Water from dishwashing sinks used for preparing meals and other origins can also be considered blackwater.

Blackwater is a category for untreated sewage. Harmful germs and microbes must completely degrade in blackwater to be discharged into the environment. Contact with it is dangerous if it is polluted with dissolved chemicals and particles. When a heavy downpour causes flooding, it is highly plausible that black water mixes with the flood water.

Others

After a flood, many things cause water contamination, including heating oils, industrial waste, and agricultural and industrial chemicals. This is why people with private drinking water wells are advised to keep away from the water after flooding. Ingesting these contaminants can present significant health risks. Ensure your private drinking water well is regularly inspected and tested for safety if you live in a flood-prone area.

FAQ’s for Sewer Backups and Basement Water Damage Problems

Sewage backup and basement flooding are unpleasant and pose lots of dangers such as contamination and biohazard risks. They should be considered an emergency and dealt with efficiently and promptly.
Using Service Pros professional services will certainly work to your leverage. Our emergency sewage and flood basement cleaning teams have specialized equipment and training to swiftly and safely clear, clean and restore your affected areas.

What is a sewage backup?

Houses have incoming water lines and outgoing sewer lines. A sewage backup happens when an obstruction and blockage prevents the normal flow of wastewater from your house to the sanit/ary sewer.
The wastewater starts to back up into your home as it fills up your drain pipes, and doesn’t properly drain away from the house.

What are the indications of a sewage backup?

Several common signs may indicate that you could experience a sewage backup. One of the common indicators is having more than one clogged drain, especially if one of the clogs is in a drain you infrequently use.
Water usually backs up into a lower drain. However, when your water is backing up into other drains, you should be concerned. One drain should not drain into another drainage system.
Another suitable method to identify a sewer backup is checking if water gurgles in the sink after flushing the toilet or showering. You should as well check for the appearance of bubbles as they point to trapped air generated by water attempting to pass through the clogged area of the drain.
At the same time, another common sign includes your toilet not flushing correctly, slow draining in more than one fixture, a soggy or smelly yard, sewage coming out of a cleanout pipe, and foul odors coming from a drain.

What are the hazards with sewer backups?

Sewage mainly contains human feces and urine that contains viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants that can cause ailments. These include rotavirus, adenoviruses, norovirus, diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, throat, nose, and eye infections.

Can I clean a sewer backup myself?

Cleaning the sewer backup yourself could lead to hazardous activity and result in improper remediation activities and more significant problems. So, you may opt to go for our professional water damage restoration company. Without technical assistance, you may likely spread the contaminated sewer problem from one room to other rooms.
Our professional team of experts is better suited and knowledgeable in the finest ways to clean up sewage at minimum risk. We will ensure a successful restoration of your property and help you avoid any health hazards.

Can I use bleach to clean up a sewer backup?

Odors that come from sewage backups are unpleasant, and you may want to get rid of them. Bleach is a widespread solution for most people and should be avoided as it is a poor solution for sewer backups. More harm may be caused by bleach as it can react with other substances are in the sewer pipes and potentially release harmful fumes.

Which items can I keep after a sewer backup?

If any of your absorbable belongings get in touch with sewer water, you need to dispose of it. Nevertheless, our professional team can easily clean and restore if hard materials or unabsorbent material come into contact with sewer water.

What is basement flooding?

It is not unusual for many homeowners to go down their basement steps, only to find a pool of murky water. This water may cause damage to your walls, floors, furniture and lead to mold. As the basement is commonly used for storage, the pool of water destroys many irreplaceable and essential items.

What causes basement flooding?

Basement flooding may arise because you have an external or internal leak, leaking foundation walls, improperly sealed walls, floors, a clogged gutter system, or your sump pump becoming dysfunctional.

How do I know if I require basement flooding solutions?

It is usual that many homeowners are unaware of their need for basement flooding solutions in their homes.
If your house is situated in a flood-prone area, or if your home lacks effective basement drainage or waterproofing, it might good idea to invest in Service Pros basement flooding solutions.

What are the signs of basement flooding?

Indicators of basement flooding include a musty smell in your basement, water damage to your foundation or walls, discolored water stains on an affected area on the wall or floor, calcification build-up and standing water in your basement.

How can I avoid basement flooding in the future?

A sump pump is mandatory for any basement as it pumps water out immediately it gets inside the basement. You may also install a backwater valve occasionally to prevent sewer clogs and backups, regularly check for pipe damage, clean your gutters regularly, and fix foundation cracks.

Which immediate steps should I take when I have basement flooding?

The first step to take when you see that your basement is filled with water is to turn off your electricity and shut off the power in your home. Afterward, call an electrician and our professional team of Service Pros basement flood cleaners.
The subsequent step to take is to move any water-damaged items to a dry place. However, remember to protect yourself by putting on protective clothing and gear such as face masks, gloves, overalls, and boots.

How much does it cost to fix basement flood damage?

There are multiple variables that dictate the cost of repairing and cleaning up basement flood damage. Nevertheless, the ordinary charges of repairs after basement flooding varies from $500-$2,500. This may depend on the depth of the water, the size of the basement, the extent of the damage, and the type of the water (clean, storm, or sewage)