crawl space

After noticing crawl space sewage contamination, one of the most critical tasks is assessing the damage. This ensures the continued safety and health of the home’s occupants and helps you determine the actual extent of the damage.

Here is a step-by-step guide to assessing the damage in your crawl space…

Step One: Safety First!

Before you enter the crawl space to assess the damage, make sure you put on all the necessary safety equipment like protective clothing (gloves, coveralls, boots), a respirator or mask, safety goggles, and take a flashlight. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous contaminants that can cause health issues.

Step Two: Turn Off the Utilities

Turn off all the utilities associated with or connected to the crawl space if possible. This includes gas and electricity. This helps prevent potential hazards while you get in there and look around. 

Step Three: Assess the External Damage

Before you even enter the crawl space, start by looking around the exterior and assessing the external damage there is, if any. Look for visible signs of sewage leakage or any kind of flooding in the area. Watch closely for standing water, wet spots, and unusual or unpleasant odors emanating from the exterior and perimeter of your crawl space.

Step Four: Evaluate All Your Entry Points

Now it’s time to determine how the sewage entered the crawl space, to begin with. Some common entry points you want to evaluate include sewer pipes, leaks, and backflow from the main sewer line. Watch for any damage. 

Step Five: Check Your Drainage Systems

Does your crawl space have a working drainage system like a sump pump or French drain? Make sure what you have is functional and working properly, and not contributing to your sewage problem.

Step Six: Document the Damage for Insurance Purposes

You want to take videos and photos of the contaminated areas to document the extent of the damage. This will prove useful when you file an insurance claim or seek professional assistance.

Step Seven: Inspect the Structural Integrity of the Home

You also want to make sure to inspect beams, support columns, and your wooden subflooring and evaluate its structural integrity. Sewage can weaken these components and compromise the stability of the crawl space. 

Step Eight: Time for Cleanup and Disinfection

To thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected areas, you need to use the right cleaning agents and equipment. There are some designed to neutralize sewage contaminants. You also want to allow the crawl space to dry out completely and improve ventilation to reduce the humidity levels.

Step Nine: Professional Assistance

If you are unsure how to handle the problem and you lack the specialized knowledge or equipment needed to get the job done right, you should call in a professional remediation or restoration company. They have everything needed to deal with this kind of hazardous situation more effectively. 

Did you know sewage leaks can cause several health risks? That is because they contain toxic chemicals and infectious microbes. A sewage leak in your crawl space is especially hazardous because it can go unnoticed until it is too late. If you have a crawl space, it is essential to your safety that you understand the risks of sewage damage in your crawl space. Understanding these risks ensures that you will take preventive measures to safeguard your health and preserve the integrity of your home.

Health Risks From Crawl Space Sewage Damage

Sewage spills or backups in crawl spaces can introduce harmful contaminants into your home environment. Here are some of the health risks associated with crawl space sewage damage:

1. Bacterial And Viruses: Sewage contains dangerous bacteria and viruses, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A. Exposure to these pathogens can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, respiratory issues, and other infections.
2. Mold Growth: Sewage damage creates a humid environment ideal for mold growth, especially in a crawl space. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems and may even trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.
3. Toxic Chemicals: Sewage may contain poisonous chemicals like industrial waste, cleaning agents, and pesticides. Exposure to these substances can lead to skin irritation, respiratory distress, and other long-term health effects.
4. Poor Air Quality: Sewage damage emits noxious fumes that can permeate the air in your home. These fumes not only cause discomfort because they smell awful but can also lead to headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation.

It is best to work with a professional sewage cleanup team to protect your family from these risks. We will clean up and sanitize your crawlspace. 

What Causes Crawl Space Sewer Damage?

Many factors can lead to sewage backup in your crawl space, including: 

• Blockages: Clogs in the main sewer line or lateral pipes can cause sewage to back up into your crawl space.
• Tree Roots: Over time, tree roots can infiltrate and damage underground sewer pipes, leading to leaks and subsequent sewage backups.
• Pipe Damage: Aging or deteriorating sewer pipes can develop cracks, breaks, or joint failures, allowing sewage to seep into the crawl space.
• Heavy Rainfall: Excessive rainwater or flooding can overwhelm the sewer system, causing sewage to overflow into your crawl space.
• Improper Plumbing Installation: Poorly installed or outdated plumbing systems may be more prone to sewage backups and leaks.

Whatever the root cause of your crawl space sewage damage, our team will not only identify and repair it. In addition, we’ll implement prevention strategies to help prevent sewage damage from happening again. 

Crawl space sewage damage poses significant health risks that must be taken seriously. By understanding the dangers and common causes, you can take proactive measures to prevent such incidents.

Discovering sewage leakage in your crawl space can be a distressing problem that needs prompt action. Understanding how to handle sewage leaks in your crawl space is vital to minimize damage and ensure a safe living environment. Taking immediate steps to address the issue can prevent structural damage, health hazards, and foul odors associated with sewage leaks. Here is what to do if you suspect sewage has leaked into your crawl space. 

What Causes Sewage To Leak Into Your Crawl Space?

Sewage leakage in your crawl space can occur due to various reasons. The leak could be caused by broken or damaged sewer lines, leading to waste seepage in your crawl space. Additionally, clogged or blocked drains can cause sewage backup, resulting in leakage. Heavy rainfall or flooding can also overwhelm the sewer system, leading to backflow and sewage entering your crawl space.

Five Signs Of Sewage In Your Crawl Space

Knowing the signs is essential if you are concerned about potential sewage leakage in your crawl space. Here are five signs that you have sewage leaking into your crawl space:

1. Foul Odors: If you detect a persistent smell resembling rotten eggs or sewage, it strongly indicates sewage leakage in your crawl space. 
2. Mold Or Mildew Growth: Sewage leaks often create excess moisture, which causes mold and mildew to flourish. Look for discoloration, musty odors, or visible mold patches in your crawl space.
3. Pooling Water: Standing water or dampness in your crawl space is a significant sign of sewage leakage. Pay attention to any unusual water accumulation, which could indicate a problem.
4. Pest Activity: If you notice any pests like rats or insects in your crawl space, it may result from sewage leakage. These creatures are attracted to the moisture and waste associated with sewage.
5. Health Symptoms: Unexplained health issues such as respiratory problems, nausea, or skin irritations among you or your family members can be a sign of sewage leakage. Exposure to sewage can lead to various health problems, so be mindful of any related symptoms.

If you notice these signs, you must immediately speak to a sewage damage cleanup expert.

Risks Of Sewage Leaking Into Your Crawl Space

Sewage in your crawl space poses significant health risks to your home and your family.

1. First, sewage can cause structural damage to your home’s foundation, leading to costly repairs.
2. Second, sewage typically contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can pose severe health risks. Exposure to sewage can result in illnesses such as gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, and skin irritations.
3. Lastly, the foul odors associated with sewage leakage can permeate your home, making it uncomfortable to live in. This odor can also attract pests like rats and insects, further exacerbating the problem.

Dealing with sewage leakage in your crawl space requires immediate action to prevent the risk. If you suspect a sewage leakage, contact our sewage cleanup specialists immediately. We’ll inspect your property, find the source of the leak, and restore your home to safety.