Storm and Flood Damage After Heavy Rains

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

During a storm or heavy rains, drains and sewers can backup. This can cause severe damage to commercial property if not taken care of immediately. Dealing with contaminated water in Cleveland, Ohio is frustrating and can be dangerous. Sewer backups threaten your property as well as your employees and customers as it carries a risk for disease. 

Excessive rain causes water to back up from municipal sanitary sewer systems. If water is coming up through floor drains or sink drains in the basement, it is not rain water; you likely have a sanitary issue. 

Backwater Valve

A backwater check valve is one preventative solution to this issue. It is a self-operating valve that only allows water to flow in one direction. It does need to be cleaned every six months to a year. If well maintained, it will help prevent water from flowing in the opposite direction and causing sewer backup.

Contaminated Water Types

Category 1: “Clean water” – This type of water comes from a clean source. Broken water lines or faucet leaks are sources of clean water. Category one water can quickly degrade to a category two if left untreated. Many factors influence the degradation process: contact with contaminants, time, temperature and environment.

Category 2: “Gray Water” – This type of water is contaminated. If ingested it could cause stomach discomfort or illness. Some sources of category two water include an overflowing toilet containing some urine (no feces), an overflowing washing machine or a leaking dishwasher. Gray water may contain bacteria or viruses and can degrade to category three water if left untreated. 

Category 3: “Black water” – This type of water is unsanitary to the point of causing serious illness. Any contact with this water should be avoided. It could contain sewage, microbes and harsh chemicals. Black water is caused by flooding from rivers and streams, an overflowing toilet containing fecal matter or water from beyond the toilet trap. If standing water starts to support microbial growth it is considered category three. Sewer backup is category three water. 

The good news is that there are experts in sewage cleanup. These experts have the special training and equipment to safely deal such a disaster. If in question always call SERVPRO of Gateway at 1-800-933-7179