Broken Plumbing Ruining Your Day? Dealing With Sewage Cleanup
When your household plumbing malfunctions, your worst nightmare can suddenly become reality. Filthy sewage backing up into your home can be demoralizing and devastating! Knowing how to react in case of a worst case broken plumbing scenario can help keep you and your family safe and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
What Category of Flooding is Present?
The first thing you should do in case of broken plumbing is evaluate the situation. There are three categories of water flooding, based on the level of contamination.
Category One includes water from a sanitary source, such as a broken water supply line, tub or sink overflow, or a broken toilet tank or bowl with no contaminants in the water. This water is generally not dangerous and water remediation experts can safely extract the water and clean your carpet.
Category Two includes water with significant contamination from sources such as a washing machine or dishwasher overflow or discharge, overflow from a toilet bowl with urine present, broken aquariums or punctured water beds. This water may contain unsafe levels of microorganisms and can make you sick.
Category Three includes water that is grossly contaminated with pathogens or toxic substances and unsanitary. This water comes from sources such as toilet backflows containing raw sewage, broken sewer pipes, flooding from local rivers, streams or seafronts or even heavy rain driven in by wind from hurricanes or tropical storms.
Steps to Take in Case of Water Damage
There is a clear protocol which should be followed in any case of plumbing failure resulting in flooding.
First, get loved ones and pets to safety. In case of category two or three flooding, this is particularly important for children under the age of 24 months, adults over the age of 60 and anyone suffering from respiratory problems or weakened immune systems.
Second, avoid flooded areas. Don’t flip electrical switches or venture into standing water. Again, in case of broken plumbing resulting in contamination, water borne pathogens and bacteria can make you very ill.
Third, call for help. Sewage cleanup experts will be able to evaluate your situation, advise you on the damage done, and guide you through the steps needed to get rid of aw sewage and restore your home to safe, livable conditions. They can work with your insurance company, who you should also call to notify of the incident.
Broken plumbing can be a huge inconvenience, but it doesn’t have to be a hazard if you follow safety protocols and engage the services of trained professionals to thoroughly clean your home. Call the Dry Guys for more information about water remediation services.