Having a sewer backup or a toilet overflow at one of your properties stinks ─ literally or figuratively. But with some basic knowledge about cleanup you will come up smelling like roses. Clichés aside, the best way to clean up contaminated water is following the standard of care outlined in the S500 water damage standard.
Here are the four steps.
1. Unsanitary water is a health hazard. Make sure your restoration contractor or custodian wears protective gear and keeps people away during the cleanup. Depending on the size affected, containment with negative pressurization may be warranted.
2. Know that using air movers for the initial drying will spew unseen contaminants into the air. Use dehumidifiers instead!
3. Realize that porous materials like drywall and carpet that have been affected by the black water should be cut out, not cleaned. Non porous surfaces like tile floors should be cleaned with hot water before anti microbials are applied.
4. Once the dry down is finished, have the job site sampled for the presence of E Coli and fecal coliform. This is an inexpensive test for quality assurance. The last phase is the build back if replacement of drywall or carpet is required.
As with any water damage repair, doing the job right is good risk management. And, given the potential of bacteria contamination on top of mold growth, it will save money in the long run.
As a preferred vendor for the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District for more than 10 years, Steamatic of Sacramento has more experience cleaning up sewage than any restoration company in
Company owner Charles Cassani also teaches water damage restoration classes to insurance adjusters and property managers. With 38 years in the business, there isn’t much he hasn’t seen. Feel free to email him or to phone him for advice.
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