Dealing With Sewage Cleanup in Commercial Properties: Challenges and Solutions

Sewage cleanup in commercial properties can be challenging and can also prove to be a hazardous task to undertake. Sewage backups and spills can result from issues like blocked sewer lines, damaged pipes, or even heavy rainfall that ultimately overwhelms the septic system.

You need to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Here are some challenges and solutions for sewage cleanup on, in, and around your commercial property..

Challenge #1: Health and Safety Risks

Sewage contains a ton of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can ultimately cause severe health issues for the people in your building. To clean up the sewage properly, you need the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and training to maximize the risk of exposure to all these contaminants.

Challenge #2: Property Damage

A sewage backup can also cause significant damage to the floors, walls, furniture, electrical systems, and other building components. The longer the sewage remains untreated, the more damage it can cause to your commercial building.

Challenge #3: Odor and Diminished Air Quality

Whenever there is a sewage spill, you can be sure a foul odor will accompany it. This odor can compromise the indoor air quality in your building, making it a very unpleasant environment that can harm the occupants. 

Challenge #4: A Disruption to Business Operations

Business disruptions are another challenge you may face when there is a sewage spill in a commercial property. Dealing with the cleanup can disrupt your normal business hours and operations, leading to a loss of revenue. 

Solutions

Now that we have covered some of the more common challenges you can face when dealing with a sewage cleanup in a commercial property, let’s look at some solutions.

Take Immediate and Prompt Action

Your quick response to the problem will prove essential for mitigating the damage and the health risks of a sewage spill. It may be best to contact a professional sewage cleanup service as soon as possible to address the problem immediately. 

Professional Sewage Cleanup Companies

These companies are experienced and certified and have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge to safely and effectively handle the cleanup processes. 

Personal Protective Equipment

When dealing with any sewage spill and cleanup, you must ensure everyone involved has proper PPE. This includes gloves, masks, coveralls, and boots. All of these help protect against exposure to any contaminants there are. 

Containment and Isolation

Isolate the affected areas to prevent the sewage from spreading to other parts of your property. Professionals often use barriers and containment measures to help control the cleanup process.

Water Extraction and Disinfection

Professionals will use specialized equipment to remove the sewage and any contaminated water from the property. The affected areas will then be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected to remove all pathogens. 

Air Purification

In addition to drying and dehumidifying during the sewage cleanup process, air scrubbers and purifiers can also be used to improve indoor air quality and remove any odors associated with the sewage spill. 

Repairs and Restoration

Once the cleanup process is complete, repairs and restoration work can be done to return as much property as possible to its pre-incident condition.

Sewage cleanup in any residential or commercial space is not a DIY job. It is essential to rely on professionals who have the expertise and equipment needed to handle the cleanup safely and effectively.