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Here we take a look at what sewage actually is, as well as the dangers of sewage leaks and how to prevent, detect and solve them.
Sewage is wastewater which is disposed of by the flushing of toilets and the use of sinks, baths and showers, which is then taken underground into sewers to be treated.
In domestic properties, there are 3 types of wastewater: black, grey and yellow:
Businesses also take part in producing wastewater, known as ‘trade effluent’, meaning liquid waste being discharged into sewers through an industrial process on trade premises.
Raw sewage leaks and overflows contain a variety of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses.
Exposure to these viruses can also occur through the toxic, flammable and asphyxiating gases, putting homes and businesses at risk.
When exposed to the public, whether this be through commercial or domestic properties, sewage leaks can lead to acute illnesses such as diarrhoea, as well as more severe illnesses (listed below), and in the worst-case scenario, death.
Not only can a sewage leak be harmful to human health, but it can also be harmful to the environment and our water supplies.
The BBC reported that in England, water companies discharged raw and untreated sewage into rivers over 400,000 times more in 2020 than in 2019, according to figures published by the Environment Agency. Wet wipes being let in the waterways accounted for a staggering 90% of material causing sewage blocks.
Sewage leaks can also be caused by plumbing that is damaged and may have deteriorated over time. Sewage can leak from faulty plumbing slowly or rapidly, and it’s vital to ensure that the matter is dealt with quickly. This will minimise the likelihood of exposure to viruses.
Other reasons for sewage leaks can involve blockages, such as:
By taking the above into consideration and sticking to only flushing faeces, urine and toilet paper down the toilet, you can reduce the risk of a sewage leak occurring.
If a drain is blocked, it is best to treat it straight away with drain un-blockers or by using baking soda and vinegar. If this does not work, it is best to call in an expert.
For trade effluent, it is important that you have an up-to-date drainage plan which locates all drains and sewers and shows both where they lead to, and what can be flushed down them.
You should also have sewage leak kits available in case of a such an event. These kits can contain useful materials to absorb the spill, suction equipment, drain mats and equipment for containing the spill. All staff should be trained or made aware of what to do if a sewage spill were to occur.
If you notice a high volume of water flooding, or a slow, dripping leak, you need to investigate as these could be signs of a sewage leak. Here are some other signs that raise alarm bells and signal a potential sewage spill.
If you see your water bill shooting up suddenly or gradually increasing over time with no explanation, it can signal a sewage leak.
An unpleasant smell can be a clear sign of a sewage spill. It can be hard to detect where this odour is coming from, but it is an obvious sign that there may be some form of dampness within your property.
Damp patches that are unexplainable, inside or outside the house, can be a sign of a sewage spill. Dampness can lead to many other consequences such as mould and mildew, staining, cracked and bubbled surfaces and corrosion.
If the property’s water pressure seems lower than normal, this can be an indicator that a sewage leak is present. Meanwhile, a high-water pressure can signal that a leak may occur soon due to pipes being burst.
Rats and an increase in pests like mosquitos, moths and wood-gnats might mean you have a sewage spill. Noticing where these rodents and pests are present can help shed light on where the sewage leak might be coming from.
Sewage leaks, whether domestic or commercial, should be cleaned up professionally, as such specialist companies are trained to deal with the matter safely. It is best to deal with the issue as quickly as possible to stop viruses and gases spreading and to keep pests and rodents away. Taking the matter seriously and getting sewage leaks looked at as soon as possible will also reduce the potential for damage to your property. You can read our sewage leak case study here for information on how we were able to help a customer restore their property after a sewage leak.
CPL t/a Rainbow International are fully aware of the dangers associated with sewage leaks and work quickly to ensure the area affected is thoroughly assessed, decontaminated and cleaned to prevent damage to the environment, businesses and homes. Our sewage clean-up service is comprehensive and ensures any spill is contained and removed safely in a cost-effective manner. Our specialist operatives maintain the strictest level of professionalism throughout and ensure the local environment is protected at all times.
CPL t/a Rainbow Restoration are on hand to provide a rapid response to any emergency sewage spills, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team on freephone 0800 030 4360.