Sewage backups are inconvenient mishaps that many businesses experience. Not only do clogs create a hazardous environment, but they may also temporarily halt operations, which could affect your company's bottom line. Thankfully, professional sewage cleanup will handle an unexpected situation quickly. Learn more about what causes backups and how they're treated below.

What Causes Sewage Backups? 

The most common backup triggers are linked to damaged plumbing. Leaky, broken, rusted, or corroded pipes can prevent proper water flow. If sinks and toilets aren't operating as they should, food and other waste may become trapped, leading to sewage spills.

Another main cause is repeated flooding around and under commercial properties. The water can get into nearby sewage lines and impede water flow. 

If trees are nearby, roots can also infiltrate sewage channels and cause backups. Unless the roots are removed, recurring clogs will continue.

Flushing nonflushable items down toilets and sinks can also contribute to sewage cleanup problems. Paper towels, paint, and oil should be thrown in the trash. 

What Health Risks Are Involved?

Sewage can contain bacteria that pose health risks. Salmonella, which causes diarrhea and muscle cramps, tops the list.

E. coli infections are also associated with sewage exposure, potentially leading to abdominal cramps and fatalities if not medically treated. The presence of Acanthamoeba can cause eye, nose, and throat infections. If professional sewage cleanup isn't immediately dispatched, the backup may also produce leptospirosis, which triggers vomiting and muscle soreness. 

How Are Backups Treated?

The treatment process involves complete sewage extraction and safe disposal.  Once the matter is eliminated, all soiled content is removed, and any porous surfaces are demolished.

Thorough cleaning and disinfecting procedures are then implemented using HEPA vacuums and antimicrobial tools. The drying process uses commercial meters and equipment to identify and remove any residual and contaminated water. If the cleanup involved demolition services, rebuilding is the final treatment phase to restore the commercial property. 

If your business has been affected by a sewage backup, Blue Bear Restoration will help. Serving Rochester, NY, and the surrounding areas, the family-owned business has earned a master certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, which means they follow the industry's highest safety standards. If you need their expert removal and remediation services, call (833) 258-3232. Find more information about their cleanup process online.