Sewage Damage – 4 Misconceptions about Sewage Damage You Need to Know

It’s no secret that sewage damage is a dirty business. Among cleanup activities, this one is definitely the least you want to do yourself if you can’t afford a pro.

Not only it is unappealing to but dealing with sewage can also be pose health hazards. Especially if you have kids at home or a family member is sick, you may want to delegate this task to a professional to make sure everything is well taken care of.

Raw sewage is among the most harmful contaminates that can enter a home or office. It is important to understand that the bacterium and micro organisms that live inside this sewage can be fatal to you and your family.

You may have heard a lot about this problem and how to handle it, but not everything you heard can be true. There are misconceptions about how to handle sewage damage that you need to know in order to be prepared.

Sewage Damage Misconception 1: Sewage That Comes From a Body of Water Is Clean

Sewage that comes from a river for example is just as harmful if not more so. That’s because of the unique micro organisms that survive in the sewage from the river. Avoid coming into contact with this sewage if you encounter it. If you need to touch it, be sure to wear a mask, gloves, goggles, and rubber boots. Do not let the sewage come in direct contact with you in any way.

Sewage Damage Misconception 2: You Can Rescue Carpets That Have Been Contaminated Through Sewage Damage.

Because of the deep pores in carpets and area rugs, a proper cleaning after contamination is impossible. If a carpet has been exposed at all to sewage via direct contact, then the carpet must be disposed of.

Sewage Damage Misconception 3: If One Area Of A Buildings Been Victim To Sewage Damage, The Rest Of The Building Is Safe.

Unless the building you are in has the ability to fully cordon off a level, while preventing cross contamination throughout the building, the entire place should be evacuated until the sewage damage has been repaired by professionals.

Sewage Damage Misconception 4: Chlorine Will Decontaminate Sewage.

Bleach will eventually kill the remainder of bacterium that remains on surfaces, however during the initial contamination; you cannot neutralize the sewage by exposing it to bleach.

Sewage carries many different parasites that can immediately attack the human body. It is important to take a contamination very seriously.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the official certification and governing association for professional flood damage restoration companies. You can find information on their web site, or by calling directly.

When you find yourself in a situation where sewage is involved remember that the consequences of contaminating yourself with the sewage can mean hepatitis, gastroenteritis, Weil’s disease, asthma attacks, skin or eye infections, & death.

Do not touch or breathe in any sewage, and contact professionals immediately.

Sewage Backup – Easy Do-It-Yourself Tools to Prevent Sewage Backup

Taking care of sewage systems is the responsibility of the government, the community and the individual homeowners. Given the gravity of the impact of sewage damage, it pays to know what we all can do to contribute against sewage backup.

In simple terms, a sewage backup is when what you throw out comes back in. Sewage backup is usually caused by a blockage in the main and minor pipes of the sewage system resulting in the reverse flow of liquid waste. It is commonly manifested as a toilet that won’t flush or a sink drain that is slow or does not work at all.

Clogs and drain blocks usually happen with improper disposal of solid waste in sewage pipes. This includes flushing sanitary napkins, tissues and diapers in the toilet. It can also result in big chunks of food being thrown down the kitchen sink drain. A simple but effective way to prevent sewage backup is to be more conscientious as to where you should dispose these things. A working filter is a must for all drainage pipes.

Homemakers should also make sure that they do not throw grease and oil down their sinks. Grease and oil can solidify under lower temperatures and in large amounts can cause sewage backup. They can stick themselves to pipe valves and attract other grease. When this happens, they become magnets for small solid wastes like hair, small pieces of food or soap chunks. You may be gradually accumulating a clog and you don’t even know it.

It also pays to regularly check and maintain your sewage water pipes. Inspect them for cracks and drips. If you spot a potential problem, have it repaired as soon as possible. In some homes, sewage lines are located underground. If you want these lines inspected and maintained, it is suggested that you call a professional rather than doing it yourself. You might hit the pipe line while digging and cause more damage.

Sewage backup can also be prevented by installing a backwater valve. This is a way to control backflow caused by blockages in the public sewage line to enter your home. Installing a backwater valve is advisable especially for homes that are built near the stream where the waste water go. Government plumbing guidelines actually requires each home to have a backwater valve and if your home is particularly old, you may need to have it installed. To ensure it is effectively against sewage backup, make certain that your backwater valve is inspected at least twice a year.

Lastly, it pays to be aware and alert as to signs and symptoms of sewage backup. Slow drains are usually a precursor to totally blocked sewage lines as they hint that something may be clogging the pipes. The household products section of your local grocery usually sells products that can unclog drains chemically, and you can try this as first aid.

Be alert too to putrid smells that hints at a damaged pipe. When you suspect a damaged sewage pipeline, call a professional immediately. If you suspect the damage is to be found in a public line, notify all relevant government offices right away.

Water Removal Once the Flood Subsides

Flood is always devastating and having the same is not at all a fun experience for anyone, especially when the damage done is extensive. If the first level or the basement of your house is flooded then it can be very devastating – it can ruin all your valuable possessions, can lead to cracks in your foundation and on top of that lead to the formation of an utter nuisance molds. Hence, water removal just after the roaring river has subsided calls for an immediate action.

Water removal form your place of living is also no fun and involves a lot of difficulty. It can also happen that in the process of water removal, you might end up in damaging some of your important possessions. So, a better and effective plan of action is required which would effectively remove water and at the same would not do any damage to your house.

Now, as said you need to plan the whole things properly but better be sooner rather than later. Do not take time much time in planning the whole water removal procedure as numerous micro-organisms, viruses and bacteria are waiting for you to do the same, so that they could thrive properly in your house. Without any doubt, time is of utmost essence in water removal and it is well advised to start of the things very quickly.

After you have planned the whole thing, get on to the work of water removal as soon as possible. Either you can use a vacuum cleaner or just make some arrangements, so that the water could find its outlet. You can also take the help of some soaking material but it would be very hectic and time taking as you need to you need to squeeze the material every time it has reached to its optimum limit. However, sometimes these materials are very beneficial as they help you in water removal from places where your vacuum cleaner could not reach.

After you have removed water from your house you need to make arrangements for two or three fans and a humidifier because you got to remove every trace of water from your house. If you do not stick to complete water removal, then you are making a compatible environment for virus, bacteria etc which eventually could prove very fatal to you and your family.

But, if the problem is extensive then it is better that you take the help of a professional water removal company. You would find various water removal companies that use some of the most modern technologies when working. Some of the reputed companies have separate work force for dealing with various aspects of water removal. You can simply log on to the internet and look for some of the best companies that work in your city. Look for one that has a good reputation and also works effectively. The best of companies might charge a bit high but after all you are assured some quality service when it comes to water removal.

What to Look For When Selecting Flood Damage Clean Up Company

Water leakage is one of the main reasons which if neglected causes flood and damages the household in many ways. There have to be regular check up as well as frequent servicing and maintenance of the pipelines as well drainage system to avoid any kinds of mishap leading to flood.

The damage a flood can incur is of huge scale and is at the same time very dangerous too because the house hold does not only have pipelines but also wire lines supplying electricity and the combination if comes in contact can lead to water damage, flood damage as well as fire damage.

There are many flood damage clean up companies which are available twenty four by seven to help you with any kind of emergencies and they o make sure the safety of your valuables as far as possible. This cannot be guaranteed if the action is not taken immediately because any delay in calling up professionals at the time of big scale emergency can lead to massive loss which might need the whole house to revamp after the clean up. So the best decision would be to call up professional flood damage clean up agencies immediately.

Internet is big source to find out the best flood damage clean up companies in your locality and the list of these companies is available in yellow pages too. However, it would be best to ask from some one who have already faces the situation and know about the flood damage clean up company he/she prefers as that answer would come after the grind of experience and will help you make better decision.

It is always best to go with the companies who have good reputation in the market and have years of experience in this field. One should look at the reviews provided by the customers who have already availed the services of the companies as that would give you input regarding the company facilities and services.

It is essential to note how expensive the company is and how much do they charge for their services and compare their tariff with other companies providing the same facilities.

Make sure you do not go with the companies just acting as mediator who just send in the team of other flood damage clean up companies as they just might end up charging a lot more and they also put up a bad impression because in case of any dispute you do not have anywhere to complain and the company from whom you contacted in first place will blame the company they send for flood damage clean up, who by then would be gone.

Structural drying is one of the new facilities used by these flood damage clean up companies and make sure the company who you appoint provide you this service as this helps a lot in creating fresh environment and it sends away molds and mildews.

Flood damage cleanup companies are of great help when the even of flood occurs and are it’s very essential to keep the numbers handy of these services because you never know when you might need them.

Choosing the Right Water Damage Tools and Equipment

When the extent of water damage calls for experienced professionals, this could only mean one thing – the damage is serious and that it requires the use of appropriate tools and equipment.

For an individual who would like to perform restoration procedures on a water damaged home, this guide may come in handy prior to starting your activity.  You will be able to familiarize yourself with the terms involved in getting rid of water damage.

So what then are the tools of the trade? Below is a list of the more common tools, equipment, and chemicals used by restoration experts for homes under the attack of water damage.

* Air mover – One of the most important flood restoration equipment. These are made up of ultra strong fans that allow for maximum air circulation to speed up the drying process.

* Air scrubber – It is used to clean the air from mold and mildew spores which pose health hazards to humans.

* Dehumidifiers – These are used to bring down the humidity in the air, usually to speed up indoor drying.

* Disinfectant/Deodorizer spray – This can be applied on flood waters to get rid of germs, bacteria and mold. It can also be fogged into air ducts to prevent the spread of airborne bacteria and odors

* Flood extractors – Used for sub-surface extraction.

* Flood pumper – Used to evacuate water from your house and transport it to a dumping area through a hose.

* Infrared thermal imaging camera – This is utilized to monitor the conditions of a building such as structural and moisture issues by means of thermal imaging. This is usually used before technicians enter a building excessively damaged by flood.

* Moisture meter – An indispensible device used to trace the source of moisture by detecting the moisture content in wood, roofing, paint, wallpaper, etc.

* Mold test kit – Used to test bathrooms, basements, carpets, towels, walls, couches, etc. for the presence mold or mildew.

* Ozone generator – The equipment produces ozone, which can destroy bacteria that causes odors.

* Respirator kits – These are worn on the face to protect the user from gases and vapors. Some kits are also designed to protect the user from the effects of mold.

* Wall injection drying system – This is used to dry hard to reach areas by puncturing small holes on walls and inserting injectors to dry the walls. This is a very useful tool since sections of walls don’t have to be removed for the internal parts to dry.

Keep in mind that these tools and equipment are for professional use.  When professionals take charge of restoring your home from water damage, you can be assured that their methods will be faster, safer, and more efficient as they are not only more experienced but they are also well equipped. The name of the game is speed. The longer it takes for your home to dry up, the greater will be the extent of water damage. There’s no way you can do this by using only tools that you have at home. This task requires specialized tools and equipment to get the job done fast and right.

Document Freeze Drying – Four Documents to Have Freeze Dried after a Flood

Depending on where you live, flooding is a natural and common occurrence. You may have Flood Protection Insurance and have taken extra measure to flood proof your home. But Mother Nature is uncontrollable and even taking the most extraneous flood proof measures do not guarantee your home will be spared.

In the event that your home becomes flooded, there are four types of documents that you must consider going through document freeze drying after a flood has damaged them.  These documents are deemed to be of importance to most people and therefore should be given top priority for document freeze drying once damaged.

Birth certificates are the first thing. You can replace your social security and your driver’s license but you cannot replace items like your birth certificate. This is something most people keep in a drawer or file somewhere in their homes. We do not usually carry birth certificates on our person. If your home is flooded, this will be wet and falling apart. Having your birth certificate undergo document freeze drying means that it will be restored to an acceptable condition until you can get another copy. Without that, you can still get another copy but it is much more difficult to do so.

The second thing you should have to set for document freeze drying after a flood is your identification papers. If you have a passport, that should be salvaged immediately, as well as your social security card. These are things that can be replaced, but they are such a bother to replace and it is easier and more time efficient to have them undergo document freeze drying to be restored.

The third thing you should be looking at for a document freeze drying process after a flood is your family pictures. When most people talk about things they would take from their homes in the event of a major disaster, aside from pets and family members, the first thing mentioned is pictures, most especially those old photographs that weren’t backed-up by digital imaging.  Imagine your ancestors’ photographs.  It will be a horror to just let them go away with the flood. 

Pictures tell the story of our lives and even with today’s technology and digitalization, pictures themselves are hard to replace. Your recent pictures may be on your camera or stored on your computer and retrievable, but the pictures of your great grandparents or parents as children are not replaceable. Even if you meant to, you probably never did scan them all. The only way to salvage these memorabilia is document freeze drying. 

Lastly, art work should be subjected to a document freeze drying process to prevent further damage and help reverse current damage. Art work, like pictures, is personal and a lot of it cannot be replaced. Additionally, most works of art are considered priceless and their value goes up as time goes by.  Even if the art work you own is not very valuable or done by a famous artist, it probably has a great emotional value to you and should be freeze dried.

5 Things You Need to Know about Fire Damage Insurance

The cost of purchasing a home is undeniably grand. Thus, getting fire damage insurance can be considered a “back burner” for most homeowners. Homeowners give less importance to home insurance – but this, becomes the biggest regret when disasters come to confront us. A home is a huge investment – personally and financially – which is why it only deserves the best type of insurance homeowners can afford. The value of fire damage insurance can never be underrated. Fire can happen anytime even with the most cautious practice of preventive methods. Peace of mind can only be achieved when our properties are backed up with a good insurance. Below is a list of helpful information about fire damage insurance.

1. The first thing that you need to do is know your coverage. A lot of people feel that they have been misled by a company after their claim gets denied. To prevent this from happening, study your coverage very carefully. Take out all brochures or better yet, call your insurance company directly.

2. If your home got wrecked by fire damage, immediately contact your insurance company and report your loss. Make sure that you have had your home inspected by your adjuster before proceeding to property restoration. Avoid throwing out fire-damaged belongings unless given permission by your adjuster or they can cause health problems if kept. A visual inspection by your insurance company is required before repair starts. You are obligated to mitigate damages for further loss. Your insurance company can deny coverage of ensuing damage to your property is you have not taken the necessary steps required for protection against damages.

3. In hiring a contractor, run a little background check. Ask for his license number. Ask the contractor if he holds workers’ compensation insurance. You can request a certificate of insurance for added reference. This certificate usually contains name of the insurance company, the policy number as well as policy limits. You can contact the insurance company directly for verification purposes.

4. The same thing goes when hiring an adjuster that would check the extent of fire damage. Always make sure that your adjuster is licensed. Adjusters cannot solicit a client for employment during the loss producing occurrence. Adjusters can only solicit a contract of employment until 1 week has lapsed since the day of occurrence of the disaster. Contracts shall include a provision which allows the client to rescind the contract by sending a written notice to the licensee after the third business day of agreement signing.

5. When filing for a fire damage claim, take note of the following steps:
- Be ready with your detailed inventory of all damaged items.
- If you have photos or videos of your valuable properties, provide a copy to your adjuster. This will expedite the settlement of the claim.
- Keep records of all communication means between you and your adjuster.
- Keep all receipts of added living expenditures which have been incurred from the time of your loss. Provide a copy to your adjuster as well.

Be very cautious in dealing with your fire damage insurance. Keep your trust and loyalty to your insurance company but at the same time, limit trusting people you hardly know.