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Beware of Sewage Backups
Few household problems are as nasty, or as dangerous, as a sewage backup. It’s more than an ugly mess. Raw sewage is loaded with bacteria, viruses, and contaminants that can put your health at serious risk. On top of that, it can ruin floors, walls, and belongings if it’s not handled fast and the right way. Knowing what to do (and what not to do) makes all the difference. Act quickly, but stay safe If you notice sewage coming up through a tub, sink, or floor drain, don’t rush in with a mop. That water can carry E. coli, salmonella, and other pathogens. Keep kids and pets far away. If you absolutely must enter the space, wear gloves, boots, and a mask for protection. Stop using the plumbing Running faucets, flushing toilets, or starting the laundry will only add to the problem. Backups often stem from a blocked main sewer line, and any extra water will just push more waste inside your home. Put the brakes on water use until the source is found. Call in the pros This isn’t a job for do-it-yourself fixes. A licensed plumber can figure out whether the blockage is in your house or in the city line. Specialized tools are usually needed to clear it safely. Once the line is fixed, a professional cleaning or restoration company should disinfect everything thoroughly. Without proper sanitizing, harmful germs can stick around long after the visible mess is gone. Know the common causes Tree roots breaking into sewer lines, grease buildup, and flushing things that don’t break down—like wipes or feminine products—are some of the usual suspects. Preventive steps help: Schedule sewer inspections, watch what goes down your drains, and consider a backflow valve to guard against municipal line problems. Prevention goes a long way to avoid a big disaster. The takeaway A sewage backup is both a health hazard and a financial hit. The right response—quick action, protective measures, and professional help—is non-negotiable. Don’t treat it like an ordinary spill. Protect your home and family by staying alert to the signs and prepared to call in the experts. All too often, homeowners feel they can do the cleanup themselves without realizing the dangers of contaminants that can seriously impact their health. If you ever have a sewage backup or any other type of contamination issue, call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Standing Water
After a heavy rain or an unnoticed leak, standing water may not seem like a big deal. A small puddle in the basement, on the patio, or near your home’s foundation might appear harmless. However, these stagnant pools can quickly lead to bigger problems, both for your property and your health. In basements or crawl spaces, even a shallow puddle is a warning sign. Water sitting on concrete can seep into cracks, leading to structural damage or mold growth. Mold thrives in damp environments, and once it takes hold, it can spread quickly, causing musty odors and potential respiratory issues for your family. If standing water touches wood floors, trim, or furniture, it can leave stains, cause warping, and weaken the material over time. The longer it sits, the more expensive the repair. Outside, puddles in your yard or near patios may seem like something the sun will eventually take care of. But these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Just a few ounces of water left undisturbed for a week is enough for mosquitoes to multiply. Along with being an itchy nuisance, mosquitoes can carry harmful viruses, making them a risk to anyone spending time outdoors. Prevention is the best approach. Regularly check for clogged gutters, poor drainage, or leaky spigots around your home. After a storm, take a walk around the property to spot and address areas where water tends to collect. Inside, use a dehumidifier in damp basements and ensure sump pumps are functioning properly. For wooden decks or interior flooring, dry any spills or puddles immediately and clean the area to prevent long-term damage. The key is not to ignore it. Standing water, no matter where it appears, is a sign that something needs attention. Whether it’s preventing pests outside, protecting wood surfaces, or stopping mold in its tracks, a few minutes spent addressing puddles can save you from bigger headaches later. So, the next time you see water lingering where it doesn’t belong, don’t wait for it to evaporate. Take action. Dry it, fix the source, and keep your home safe and sound. Small steps now can prevent costly repairs and help you maintain a healthier living environment. But when something bad does happen to your home, such as a flooded basement, mold growing on the walls, whatever it is, do the right thing and call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Beware of Skipping Proper Drying
When you've had a burst pipe or rain brings water into your home, you may grab some towels, set up some fans, and think you're back in business. However, drying out the house after water has entered isn't as simple as it sounds, and skipping this step can cause long-term damage. Surface dry doesn't equal safe Among the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is believing that a surface that feels dry has absolutely no moisture in it. Water can penetrate flooring materials, drywall, insulation, and hidden structural cavities. Even trim levels of lingering moisture will cause major headaches in the long term, including wood rot, mold development, and warping. The mold you don't see can hurt you Mold will begin growing within 24-48 hours after it comes into contact with water. If you don't remove trapped moisture, spores will take hold in walls, underneath floors, and in ceilings—places you'd never think you should look. This weakens the integrity of your home but can also cause severe health symptoms, especially in people with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems. DIY techniques usually come up short Household fans and dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture content but rarely cover all affected areas. Industrial-grade drying equipment, which consists of industrial air movers and moisture gauges, is specially designed for locating and eliminating latent dampness. It's next to impossible otherwise to make sure the work has truly been done. Why expert drying matters Hiring a water damage restoration professional ensures that the job is done correctly, from drying and cleaning to restoration. They not only possess the equipment necessary to track down and eliminate hidden moisture but also maintain records, a factor generally required by insurance companies in the claims process. More importantly, they prevent mold, structural damage, and future repairs that can cost thousands of dollars. The bottom line Water damage is bad enough, but skipping the drying process can turn it into something far worse. If your home experiences flooding or a burst pipe, don't try to handle it all by yourself. Investing the time—or having pros arrive—to ensure it dries all the way now will save you some massive headaches later. Your home needs more than a superficial patch job. Get it truly dry—right down to the core. And the best way to do that is with your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! |
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Copyright 2015 Thinkshortcut Publishing, LLC
Copyright 2015 Thinkshortcut Publishing, LLC