The Effects of Water Damage

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In this article we will take a look at some of the damage water can cause. Highlighting why it is important to deal with water damage quickly and the steps you can take to prevent or mitigate the damage.

The impact on people’s health

One of the most devastating effects that water damage can have is its impact on people’s health. Buildings and materials can be repaired and replaced, however people cannot. That’s not to say that if you have a leaking pipe then you and the people around you will suddenly become very ill. It does mean, however, that if water damage is not dealt with immediately and effectively it can quickly provide ideal conditions for the growth of mould, bacteria and parasites. Which can all have a detrimental effect on your health.

How quickly does mould grow? 

Mould can grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours, the rate at which it grows is dependent on the surrounding environment. In warm conditions with little ventilation, mould can grow very quickly and increase at a rapid rate. If you discover mould, removing it is not as simple as giving it a quick clean with a household cleaner, as there is so much that cannot be seen by the naked eye. A professional cleaning company, like Navig8 Restoration, will be able to thoroughly clean the area and they are equipped with the tools to test for any mould spores still present.

One of the most common effects on people’s health are gastrointestinal infections, with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. People may also experience a stuffy nose, wheezing, sore throat and eye and skin problems. Whilst none of these are necessarily life threatening, for the very young, elderly or those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems, it can have a much more severe impact on their health.

There is greater risk if the water that has caused the damage was already contaminated, from a sewage back up for example. The type of water can be classed under 3 different categories.

Types of water

Clean water – water that is free from pathogens and bacteria, such as water from burst pipes or rainwater. Like any water, it can cause damage to your building. It is unlikely to cause any health issues if it is dealt with quickly. However, if clean water isn’t dealt with quickly, over time bacteria can grow making it a health hazard.

Grey water – wastewater that contains bacteria but has not been contaminated with faecal matter. This water can be harmful to both your health and your building.

Black water – water that contains raw sewage. This water is incredibly harmful to your health and your building.

Our blog post The dangers that lurk in sewage water gives further information on all of the nasty viruses, parasites and bacteria that can be found in sewage water.

Structural damage to buildings

One case of water damage can be drastically different to another. They can vary from the mild damage caused by a small leak to the substantial level of damage that can be caused by a large ingress of water into a property, such as a burst water tank.

Water, if it is left for long enough, can soak into virtually any material, including all types of flooring, skirting boards, stud walls, beams and joists. It will cause the materials to swell and warp or rot. Some of the damage can happen very quickly.

If materials that form the structure of your property become damaged it can impact the structural integrity of the building and can be very dangerous.

Navig8 Restoration can apply various types of advanced drying methods to deal with different types of water damage. These methods allow them to dry out wall cavities and under floors, limiting the amount of strip out works required. Our blog post Advanced Drying Methods Explained gives information on how each method is applied.

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Damage to fixtures, fittings and personal items

Water can cause damage to the fixtures and fittings within your home, quickly making them unsalvageable, especially if the water is contaminated. Most items that come into contact with sewage water will need to be safely disposed of or taken for specialist cleaning. 

Water can damage personal items such as important documents and photos within seconds.

Electrical damage

Water and electricity can be a deadly combination, in the event of an obvious ingress of water it is important to ensure your electricity is turned off, if it is safe to do so.

Water can cause damage to your electrical system, resulting in total loss of power or damage to the wiring. Damaged wiring can cause power surges which can damage any appliances that are plugged in.

How to help prevent or mitigate water damage in your property

As well as the impact water damage can have on your health and building, a history of water damage to a property can quickly devalue it.

It’s important to regularly maintain your property to help to prevent problems at a later date. There are many ways in which you can protect your home from water damage. Here are some of them:

• Regularly inspect and repair broken roof tiles or guttering. Gutters should be cleaned frequently to help prevent any blockages.

• Any leaks in your property, however small, should be dealt with quickly. If you are unsure how to fix them then call in a plumber to ensure the work is done correctly.

• Take note of any strange odours in your home. This could be the result of blocked pipes or water that has become trapped and turned stagnant, causing materials to rot or mould and bacteria to grow.

• Keep an eye out for signs of water damage, such as damp patches, water stains or water rings. Water stains and rings show there has been a leak or an ingress of water which has dried out and left a stain. It could be that the problem has resolved itself, however it is advisable to get a professional in to understand what the issue was and if there is any damage other than the stains that needs to be repaired.

At Navig8 Restoration we carry out comprehensive Damp and Moisture Surveys. These identify the level of damp and moisture, what areas have been affected, what the cause is and how to rectify the damage.

If you are concerned about any water damage within your property, give Navig8 Restoration a call today on 0800 285 1447.

Flash Floods – Damage Prevention Tips

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What are flash floods?

Flash floods, as the name would suggest, happen very quickly with very little warning. They are caused by intense rainfall which falls so quickly it becomes too much for our drains and sewers to cope. 

Flash floods can be worse following extremely hot weather, as this causes the ground to dry out and become incredibly hard and therefore isn’t able to soak up the fast falling rain water. This makes flash flooding more common in areas like cities, where there are a lot of hard surfaces, such as roads, pavements and paved gardens.

During flash floods, drains can quickly overflow, taking the water above the curb and into buildings. Roads can quickly turn into rivers, with enough strength to carry many objects in its path along with it.

Why are flash floods so dangerous?

The most devastating impact of flash floods is loss of life. Just 6 inches of fast flowing flood water can sweep someone off their feet, making navigating through flood water treacherous. It is strongly recommended not to attempt to drive a vehicle through flood water as just 12 inches of fast flowing flood water is enough to move a car. Sadly vehicle related deaths are the most common during flash floods.

All floodwater is considered contaminated, as it may contain sewage, animal waste, pollutants and harmful bacteria. This water can be incredibly harmful to people, animals and the environment. Care must be taken when faced with flood water and protective closing should be worn. 

Flood water can cause damage to building materials and furniture and fittings. It can cause wood to rot and mould to grow, it therefore needs to be dealt with quickly to mitigate that damage.

Flash floods can have a huge impact on vegetation, farmers have reported losses of up to 90% of crops following the recent heavy rainfall and floods. Loss of livestock is another tragic impact of the floods as with very little warning, it can be difficult to get livestock to safety in time.

How was London recently affected?

We have seen on the news in July 2021 how bad the flash floods have been in London. On the 25th July London experienced a month’s rainfall in a matter of hours. Homes and businesses were flooded and roads quickly turned into rivers.

Residents had to be evacuated from their homes. Roads and tube stations were flooded, cars and broken down buses were left stranded meaning trains and other transport had to be cancelled.

Two London hospitals were impacted by flooding and loss of power. The London Fire Brigade reported hundreds of calls following the rainfall.

Europe has also been affected recently, again in July 2021 we witnessed extreme flooding in western Europe with Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands being hardest hit.

Why are flash floods becoming more frequent?

Climate change is the biggest factor in the increase of flash floods. The increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, caused by increased co2 emissions and other pollutants is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and storms. 

A recent article written in The Guardian, reports scientists warnings that flash floods will be more common as the climate crisis worsens.

What changes need to be made to better protect us from flash floods?

Over the years the accuracy of weather forecasting has improved, providing better predictions of flash floods allowing for better flood warnings, giving people time to prepare. We do however, require further investment in surface water flood mapping to ensure we continually update those areas at risk.

The UK government, as do governments all over the world, needs to make huge changes to better protect us from flash floods.

There are currently a number of initiatives in place to reduce our emissions to help deal with climate change. These will take time to implement and in the meantime we are clearly seeing the impact of climate change so our infrastructure needs to change. Our drainage systems and water supply systems need to be improved. Permeable paving would be a better option for roads and pavements as it is porous and allows water to pass through it. More tidal barriers also need to be installed and maintained.

Local councils will require additional funding to be able to put measures required in their areas to better deal with floods.

Green roofs are a hugely beneficial option which over time could make a difference. A green roof is a roof covered in grass and plants, over a waterproofing system. The UK has been slow to move with this, however it is popular in countries in Europe, especially in Germany. 

Green roofs have a number of benefits for the environment and can be used as a habitat for insects and wildlife. It can provide better insulation for homes and businesses, thereby reducing fuel costs. It helps to improve air quality and reduce the temperature of the environment. It can also help control water in heavy rainfall.

7 tips to help you to prepare for flooding

In every home and business there is a risk of flooding from an internal or external ingress of water. There are a number of actions you can take to prevent flooding in your home or mitigate the damage.

Create a flood plan – this is especially important for homes at risk of flooding. A flood plan will give you the opportunity to identify the best way to respond to a flood before it even happens. There are some helpful documents on the government website which will help with this – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-flood-plan

Check your roof – check the roof of your building for leaks or damaged tiles, also remove moss or any other debris that could find its way into your gutters and potentially block them.

Check your gutters and drains – gutters can easily become blocked or broken as can drains and underground pipes. Any issues should be resolved as quickly as possible.

Deal with sewage issues quickly – tackle any problems with sewage quickly as this can lead to a sewage back up into your property, our article ‘Common Causes of Home Sewage Back Ups’ identifies signs that show that there could be a problem in your property.

Waterproof your basement – flooded basements are a common problem. You can arrange to have your basement waterproofed (also referred to as tanking) and have a sump pump fitted to automatically pump water out of the basement. It is also important to ensure you do not leave valuables in the basement. You may also want to think about the type of flooring you put down, tiled flooring would be much easier to deal with following a flood than carpet would. 

Check your home insurance –  check what cover you have, especially if you live in an area that is identified as ‘at risk’ of flooding.

Research professional water damage restoration companies – have the details of a professional company like Navig8 Restoration to hand. The Navig8 Restoration are experts in water damage remediation and restoration, available 24/7 to deal with your emergency.  0800 285 1447

Advanced Drying Methods Explained

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In this article we will look at how damp and moisture levels can be identified. As well as state of the art drying methods which can be used to dry out a building. These can help keep costs to a minimum by reducing the amount of strip out works required. These methods can therefore also reduce the amount of time it takes to dry the building.

There are many reasons why a building can experience a flood, such as a sewage back up, external ingress of water or burst pipes and water tanks. When a building is flooded, the water often finds its way under the floors and into wall cavities. The damage this can cause may require major strip out works to be carried out. However by using advanced drying methods, the likelihood of strip out works being required can be significantly reduced.

Water finding its way into wall cavities and under floors can mean the level of water damage can be unclear on first inspection. Trapped moisture can rot building materials and cause mould which can cause devastating damage to the structure of a building. A simple solution to understand the level of damp and moisture within a building is a damp and moisture survey.

What is a Damp and Moisture Survey?

A Damp and Moisture Survey can be really useful to check for damp and moisture which may not be obvious. It is used to determine all areas that are affected. A full internal and external inspection is carried out, this will be non intrusive, unless otherwise requested.

During the survey, moisture meters, thermal cameras and drones are used. As well as salt testing kits, calcium carbide testers and air and surface sampling for mould. These will all help identify the damp, moisture and mould levels.

A detailed report is produced at the end of the survey along with a solution to deal with the damp and moisture in the building.

At Navig8 Restoration, we offer a comprehensive Damp and Moisture Survey. We also have years of knowledge and experience to allow us to expertly apply different advanced drying methods. Advanced drying methods include Suction Drying, Injection Drying, Flood Joist Drying, Plastic Enclosure Drying, Room Dehumidification and Construction Dehumidification. These methods can be used alone or in combination to thoroughly dry out a residential or commercial property of any size.

What is Suction Drying?

This is usually the first method of drying used when drying a building. Firstly, water is sucked out of a void, whether that is under the floor or in the wall cavities. A dehumidifier is then used to dry the air in a room. That air is then forced via a hose into the walls and floors through holes drilled specifically for this purpose. The damp air is then sucked out of the construction and exits through the room via a turbine.

Suction drying has the added benefit of a filter which prevents dirt particles from being sucked into the machine along with the damp air.

What is Injection Drying?

Injection Drying, also known as Pressure Drying is a simple and effective drying method. Warm, dry air is forced into construction layers through holes drilled into the construction. This warm dry air thoroughly dries all materials and the damp air is forced back into the room which is sucked into a dehumidifier and dried.

What is Floor Joist Drying?

As the name would suggest, this method is used to dry insulation in floor joists, as well as stud wall and cavities. Large quantities of dry air are produced using a pressure fan and a dehumidifier. This air is forced into the construction through hoses drying the entire framework.

What is Plastic Enclosure Drying?

Plastic Enclosure Drying is often used to speed up the drying process. It allows you to target key areas that have experienced water damage. The surface is wrapped in plastic sheets and a dehumidifier is used to blow dry air under the plastic sheet. Warm air can also be used to speed up the drying process even further.

What is Room Dehumidification?

Room Dehumidification is used to quickly dry individual rooms which have experienced water damage.

This method can be used before some of the other more complex methods.

A dehumidifier is used to blow dry air into the room, drying all surfaces and removing any excess moisture. Care is taken to protect sensitive materials and objects. 

What is Construction Dehumidification?

During construction or renovation, it is vital that the humidity in the building is controlled. This is done to ensure that moisture does not become trapped, causing damage to the structure of the building.

According to Corroventa, a survey regarding claims connected to newly built houses, showed the highest proportion of faults were related to moisture damage. This is caused by poor dehumidification during construction.

In between each stage of construction, a lot of materials will need to dry out before the next stage can begin. Dehumidifiers can be used to speed up the drying time, which will in turn speed up the construction process. 

The dehumidifiers can be placed inside or outside of the building.

Navig8 Restoration uses the Corroventa Supervision Remote Monitoring system to monitor the drying without having to attend the property.

What is the Corroventa Supervision Remote Monitoring system?

This system allows the features and controls of the drying equipment to be remotely monitored and controlled.

This reduces the number of onsite visits technicians need to make, saving customers time and money. 

Drying strategies can be quickly and easily amended. For complete transparency, Navig8 Restoration allows their customers access to this system, so they are well informed and kept up to date with any decisions made regarding the drying of the building.

If you have experienced water damage, contact us today for a free, no obligation estimate and to arrange a site survey.

What to do when you experience a flood

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Ways in which your building can get flooded

There are a number of reasons why you might experience a flood in your commercial or residential property.

External ingress of water – you could experience an ingress of water in your building from outside flooding.  Rainwater could also cause flooding if it comes in through holes in your building, such as broken roof tiles. In heavy rainfall water could enter your property very quickly

Burst or leaking pipes – there are a number of reasons why pipes may leak or burst. This could be down to faulty plumbing, aged pipework, blockages in pipes or weather conditions.

Burst or leaking water tank – water tanks are commonly found in lofts, meaning if there is a problem and the tank leaks, you could experience water damage throughout your property.

Sewage back up – If a sewage pipe is blocked or broken, it could result in sewage backing up into your property. Some common causes of this are tree roots damaging or blocking pipes, faulty plumbing and incorrect solids and liquids being poured down the drain or flushed away. Our article ‘Common causes of sewage back ups’ gives more information on this, as well as highlighting the signs that could indicate there is a problem along with measures you can put in place to reduce the chances of a sewage backup into your home.

All areas of a building can be flooded and experience water damage but flooded basements are most common, as they are the lowest point in a building.

What you should do first

If you experience a flood in your building, you need to make sure everyone is safe. Then make a call to your insurance company to understand your policy and if there are any particular steps you need to take. You then need to call in a professional cleaning company, who provides a sewage cleanup service. 

It might be tempting to tackle the cleaning yourself but there are often hidden dangers and damage as water can get into places that you can’t see, such as under floors, in the wall cavities, causing damage to the structure of the building and causing mould to grow. 

Things you can do whilst you are waiting for the sewage cleanup company to come to you

Many sewage cleanup companies offer an emergency cleanup service, Navig8 Restoration can be onsite within hours of your call.

While you are waiting for the cleaning company to arrive, there are some things you can do, but only if it is safe and you are comfortable to do them.

• Block off the area to prevent any cross contamination.

• Keep children and animals away.

• Turn off the gas, water and electricity supply (please note that this should not be done unless it is completely safe for you to do so, as the professionals will deal with this for you)

• Try to keep the area well ventilated, however air conditioning units should be turned off as the moisture in the air can cause damage to the system.

• Remove only essential, uncontaminated items.

Flood water can be dangerous as it may contain sewage or chemicals. If you are exposed to flood water, it is important to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes gloves, wellies and a face mask. You should also remember to wash your hands to minimise cross contamination and to further protect yourself and others.

Sewage clean up

Sewage water will require specialist cleaning as there are so many dangerous contaminants which can have serious implications on the health of those who come into contact with it. See our blog post The dangers lurking in sewage water for more information on the bacteria and viruses that are found in sewage water.

Navig8 Restoration are experts in all types of water damage remediation services and provide a sewage cleanup service.

Sometimes water damage isn’t obvious…

Sometimes you may not even be aware that your building has experienced water damage.

You may see damp patches or mould on the walls or ceilings, this could be down to poor ventilation but it can also be caused by a hidden ingress of water from burst pipes or a leak in the roof.

Navig8 Restoration offer a Damp and Moisture Survey which can detail the level of damp and moisture in a property, which areas have been affected, what the cause is and how the problem can be rectified.

Damage that can be caused by a flood

The damage caused by flooding can be significant. Navig8 Restorations surveyors will complete a full site survey and risk assessment, to fully understand the areas that have been affected and come up with the best solution for your situation. In order to remediate the damage caused and mitigate any further damage.

Flood water can damage the structure of the building, walls, floors  and ceilings. Navig8 Restoration have state of the art drying equipment which allows them to carry out sophisticated drying methods and techniques. Having access to and having the knowledge/expertise of how to use professional drying equipment, can significantly reduce the unfortunate requirement of having to carry out strip out works. Avoiding strip outs can drastically reduce your costs and speed up the water damage restoration process.

Appliances and furnishings can be damaged beyond repair. These will need to be disposed of safely and will need to be reported to your insurance company. 

Mould – trapped moisture can cause mould to grow which can damage surfaces and is dangerous to your health.

What the professionals will do

Navig8 Restoration will visit the site to assess the damage, followed by the completion of a full site survey and risk assessment. We will do this using the latest technology, including a drone, to understand the full extent of the water damage. If possible, remediation works can begin immediately.

Our highly trained technicians will make the area safe, putting up barriers if necessary.

We will use pumps and humidifiers to remove as much water as possible.

All surfaces and materials will then be fully disinfected and cleaned.

We will then install drying equipment that we can access and control remotely, to thoroughly dry out the building.

We will keep you up to date throughout the whole process.

Once completed, we will provide you with a hygiene certificate and documentation detailing the work carried out. This includes the results of any swabs taken, before, during and after the remediation process. 

We will also provide lists and photos of any items we were unable to salvage for you to forward to your insurance company.

Navig8 Restoration provides a rapid emergency response, if you have experienced water damage call us today on 0800 285 1447.

The dangers that lurk in sewage water

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Experiencing a sewage backup into your domestic or commercial property can be a nightmare. Sewage can be incredibly dangerous and have a number of negative impacts on your health and wellbeing. Understanding these dangers helps in highlighting the importance of calling in professionals to deal with a sewage cleanup and not trying to tackle it yourself.

Navig8 Restoration provides a comprehensive sewage cleaning service, we are experts in this field and only specialise in water damage and remediation.

Types of Sewage Water

Sewage water, also known as wastewater or black water is the water that leaves homes and businesses, entering the sewage system and travels to treatment plants. There are two types of sewage water, untreated and treated.

Untreated Sewage Water

Untreated sewage is wastewater that has entered the sewage system and has not yet been to a treatment plant. It contains pathogens (bacteria, parasites and viruses) that can cause illness and disease.

Treated Sewage Water

Treated sewage is wastewater that has been through a treatment plant and had all harmful pathogens removed, for more detail on how this is done see our blog Sewage Explained.

What can happen if you are exposed to untreated sewage water?

Untreated sewage water is harmful, even in small amounts. Side effects of exposure to sewage water include, a sore throat, skin, ear, eye and chest infections and gastroenteritis. 

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestines and stomach caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite. According to BUPA, 1 in 5 people get gastroenteritis each year. (https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/digestive-gut-health/gastroenteritis) The symptoms are worse for people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

There many different ways in which these gastroenteritis infections can be transmitted, however, common side effects include vomiting and diarrhea, which means the virus, bacteria and parasites enter the sewage system. Which is fine if that sewage water continues its journey to a treatment plant. However, if there is a sewage backup then it means you could be exposed to them.

Viruses, Parasites and Bacteria found in Sewage Water

Adenoviruses

Adenoviruses are a group of highly contagious viruses that cause a range of illnesses. Symptoms include diarrhea as well as cold and flu like symptoms, fever, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, conjunctivitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Most infections are mild, however some can become a lot more serious.

Adenoviruses can be spread through person to person contact, through respiratory secretions when someone sneezes or coughs or touching surfaces where the virus is present.

Norovirus

Norovirus, also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ is a highly contagious virus. Symptoms of the virus are severe vomiting and diarrhea.

You can contract Norovirus through person to person contact, touching surfaces where the virus is present and by ingesting contaminated food and water.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a highly infectious stomach bug. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and fever. The virus is most common in children and babies which is why the vaccination for Rotavirus is part of the Childhood Vaccination Program.

Rotavirus is present in an infected person’s stool and is spread through hand to mouth contact. Rotavirus can be present in stools days before a person has shown any symptoms and for over a week after symptoms have cleared up.

Campylobacter Jejuni

Campylobacter Jejuni is a type of bacteria that causes an infection known as Campylobacteriosis. The bacteria can be found in poultry, meat and eggs. Just a drop of liquid from infected meat is enough to infect one person. 

Symptoms of Campylobacteriosis infection include stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea which can be bloody. Symptoms usually show within 2 to 5 days after exposure.

Campylobacteriosis can be contracted through contaminated food, contaminated water or coming into contact with animals with the infection.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and animals. It is often referred to as salmonella poisoning or food poisoning. Symptoms include, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, fever, headaches and diarrhea. Symptoms can start to show within hours of exposure or in some cases it can take days. 

This type of infection is more severe in the young, elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

Salmonella can be present in unpasturised milk and eggs and uncooked meat (especially chicken). Strict food hygiene can help in preventing the transmission of the infection, as it can be easily transferred from knives and chopping boards that have been used on something where the bacteria is present onto other foods. This is why it is so important to wash your hands and use clean cooking equipment once you have handled raw meat.

Salmonella can also be transmitted through contaminated water, the fecal to oral route and from young farm and domestic animals.

Escherichia Coli (E. coli)

E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and animals. It is generally harmless and may cause a brief bout of diarrhea. Some strains however, can damage the lining of the small intestine, leading to severe stomach cramps, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. 

These strains cause an E. coli infection and it only takes a very small amount to cause the infection. Young children and older adults are at a higher risk if they get an infection, in some cases it can lead to kidney failure.

You can contract E. coli if you are exposed to contaminated water, some types of food such as raw vegetables or undercooked ground beef or contaminated food, where the bacteria has been transferred to the food by the person preparing it. E. coli can also be transmitted by person to person contact.

Listeria

Listeria Monocytogenes is a bacteria that causes Listeriosis. This is a rare infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it is estimated that 1,600 people get Listeriosis every year and of those people, sadly 260 will die from the infection.(https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/index.html)

The infection carries higher risks for those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. Symptoms can appear up to 2 months after exposure. Symptoms can include a high temperature, aches and pains, chils, vomiting and diarrhea. Listeria can also cause meningitis, with symptoms such as a headache and a stiff neck, difficulty looking at bright lights, confusion, seizures and a rash.

Listeriosis can be contracted through food, such as unpasturised milk, dairy products made with unpasturised milk, soft cheeses, pate and deli meat. This is why pregnant women are strongly advised to avoid these types of food. 

Listeriosis can be contracted through contact with contaminated water, person to person contact and farm animals, especially cows and sheeps that have recently given birth.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the infection Cryptosporidiosis. The parasite infects animals and can then be transferred to humans.

Symptoms generally show 1 to 12 days after exposure and include watery diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, tiredness and headaches. Symptoms will usually go away on their own, however they can be life threatening for anyone with a weak immune system or underlying health problems.

The infection can be contracted through contaminated water, contaminated food, unpasteurised milk, person to person contact and from young pets and farm animals.

Wash Your Hands

Throughout the Covid 19 pandemic it has been highlighted to us time and time again how important washing our hands is as it can stop us from transmitting the virus. It has always been important, especially when using the bathroom or preparing food as it will kill or wash away a lot of viruses and bacteria, stopping them from being transmitted.

If you think you may have been in contact with any of these nasty viruses or bacteria, whether through contact with sewage water or other means it is important to always follow NHS guidance.

If you have experienced a sewage backup, all of the water will need to be safely removed and the area fully cleaned and disinfected. Any items contaminated with the sewage water will need to be cleaned professionally or disposed of safely. 

If you have concerns or problems with sewage in your property, call Navig8 Restoration today on 0800 285 1447

Sewage Explained

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What is in sewage water?

Sewage is wastewater and human waste that comes from homes, businesses and factories. Every time water leaves your building, whether it is flushed away, goes down the plug hole or drains from appliances, it enters the sewage system. This is a network of underground pipes which take the wastewater, now referred to as sewage, to treatment plants.

Rainwater that runs off the roofs of buildings and along roads and down drains, also enters the sewage system.

Why is sewage harmful?

Sewage water can be incredibly harmful to humans, animals and the environment.

It contains harmful microorganisms. Human waste is most harmful as it contains bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Even that nasty sewer smell is harmful as it is made up of toxic gases such as methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

Exposure to sewage can cause fever, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and headaches. It can also cause eye and skin irritation. Prolonged exposure can cause difficulty breathing and in some cases even death.

Rainwater that runs off the roads and down drains can also be harmful, as it picks up oil and other dangerous contaminants along the way.

Where does the sewage go?

Firstly, large solids, including items which shouldn’t be in the sewage system need to be removed. Common items found are napplies, plastic bags and sanitary products. 

There have been many other surprising items which have been found such as jewellery, toys and false teeth. Thames Water has confirmed that items being put down drains which shouldn’t be, cause 65,000 blockages a year.

Once all of the large items are removed, the water is pumped into sedimentation tanks where much of the solid waste sinks to the bottom, forming a layer of sludge.

The sludge can then be put into a digester. Digesters process the waste to produce electricity and heat and the remaining liquid ‘digestate’ can be used as fertiliser by farmers.

The water is then treated to remove harmful substances.

The water has almost finished it’s treatment. It now enters the last stage where it is pumped into settlement tanks, where the waste particles fall to the bottom. The water the remains, called ‘effluent’, is now safe to be released into rivers and the sea.

If the environment that the water is being released into is sensitive, then the water will go through further treatment to ensure it is suitable for that particular environment.

However, sometimes this process doesn’t go to plan…

When you flush the toilet or drain water away from your home you expect it to keep on going until it reaches the treatment plant. Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why drains can become broken or blocked which can result in the sewage water backing up into buildings or gardens. 

The most common causes are tree roots growing in and around the pipes, faulty plumbing, large volumes of water entering the system quickly and blocked drains and pipes. Drains and pipes can get blocked for a number of reasons. Some of which have been explored in this article, other common causes of blocked pipes are food, cooking fats, grease and hair.

To find out more about the reasons behind blockages, see our blog post: Common Causes of Home Sewage Back Ups.

If you discover a sewage backup in your home or business, it is important to call in a professional who can carry out a Sewage Cleanup Service to deal with it, to ensure it is remediated correctly, safely and also to prevent any secondary damage.

There are ways in which you can help prevent a sewage backup in your home and also signs that you can look out for that may indicate there is an issue which could potentially lead to a sewage backup.

How to help prevent a sewage backup

I think it’s safe to say that flushing toys, jewellery or false teeth is never a good idea. However, there are more common reasons why pipes can become blocked. If you have ever been tempted to pour cooking fats or grease down the sink, stop and think about what will happen when that fat cools. It will solidify and potentially block or partially block your drains. 

Make sure everyone within your home or building is aware that paper towels, nappies, sanitary products etc must not be flushed – you often see signs in public toilets reminding people not to flush those items. You can also buy sink hole covers to catch hair before it is washed down the drain.

Signs there may be an issue

There are signs that can indicate a problem with the sewage water flowing through the pipes.

If you notice bubbling drains or if there are any nasty smells near your drain, then it’s worth getting them checked by a professional. Before they become a bigger issue.

Basement Flooding

Being the lowest point of home means basements are prone to flooding for many different reasons. It is quite common for bathrooms and toilets to be situated within a basement of a property, which means the chances of the basement flood water being contaminated with sewage are significantly increased.

There are measures you can put in place to prevent sewage backing up into a basement such as a backwater prevention valve, this allows the water to go out but prevents it from coming back in again. You can also waterproof your basement. Tanking is an option, this is where you create a ‘tank like’ seal around your basement to prevent water from penetrating through to your basement. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding a sewage backup or basement flooding in your home or business, call the Navig8 Restoration today for advice.

Common Causes of Home Sewage Back Ups

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A sewage backup in your home can have catastrophic effects on people in the home and the building itself if it is not dealt with quickly. This article goes into more detail about this later on.

So what are the causes of sewage back up? It’s important to be aware of them in order to possibly mitigate your chances of it happening to you.

Tree roots

Tree roots are one of the most common reasons why people experience a sewage backup in their homes. Roots are naturally drawn to water sources, so they often head towards sewage pipes where they can wrap themselves around them, crushing and breaking them. They can also find their way through small cracks or loose joints in the underground pipes and start growing inside the pipes. As they get bigger they will either completely block the pipes or put so much pressure on them that they crack, causing them to collapse.

Common signs that there is a problem with roots in your sewage pipes is if you hear gurgling sounds coming from your toilet or if baths or sinks drain slowly, even after you have cleared them.

Faulty plumbing

We all know that plumbing needs to be done correctly to ensure no leaks, especially when it comes to sewage. If there is a fault in the pipework that removes sewage from your property, it can cause the wastewater that you flush and drain away to go to places in your home you really would rather it didn’t. It can come back up through the toilet or sinks and into your home or even find its way into your wall cavities.

Make sure when you are looking into finding someone to carry out plumbing works in your home that they have the correct qualifications to carry out the work. It is also worth searching for them online to see if you can find reviews or examples of previous work. If they are an experienced company, then generally there shouldn’t be faults in their work, however if it does happen, a professional plumber will have the correct insurance in place to cover all the costs associated with getting the problem fixed.

Blocked drains

As mentioned before, tree roots are a big problem when it comes to blocked drains. There are however a large number of other reasons why drains get blocked, if sanitary products, nappies or paper towels are flushed they can cause the pipes to become clogged. Pouring cooking fats or grease down the sink is also another cause of blocked drains, as is hair. The blocked drain stops the wastewater from going into the main sewer system and causes it to back up into the home.

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of getting a blocked drain. Never pour cooking fats or grease down the sink, even if you rinse with hot water and soap the fat and grease can still solidify once it cools. If you have a  problem with hair going down the drain you can buy drain covers to use when showering or bathing to stop this. Never flush sanitary products, paper towels or nappies. 

Large volumes of water entering the sewage system quickly

Heavy rainfall and snow can result in large volumes of water entering the sewage system at speed. It happens so fast that it becomes too much for the drainage system to handle, causing the water to flow backwards through the pipes into homes.

What are the signs of sewage back up?

It is important to be aware of the signs of a sewage back up, so you can recognise them and deal with them before the wastewater has a chance to back up into your home. If you notice something is wrong, you should take immediate action and call in the professionals before it becomes a bigger issue.

Signs that there may be a problem include:

Nasty ‘sewage’ smell – if you can smell unpleasant sewage water in your home, near sinks or toilets or coming from drains then it could be a sign that there is a problem. Any nasty smells should flow away from your home along with the waste, if it is lingering then there could be an issue and it is worth getting a professional to inspect it.

Bubbling toilets and drains – if you notice your toilets or drains are bubbling then this could be a sign that there is an issue with pipes being partially blocked, which could lead to the sewage backing up into your home if it is not rectified quickly.

Slow draining water – if you notice that water is draining away slowly, then you need to find out what the problem is. It could just be internal pipes that need unblocking, however if you have done this and the water is still draining slowly then it could be a sign of a problem further along the pipes. You are more likely to notice a problem in the lower level drains in your home if it is a problem related to sewage back up.

What you can do if you experience a sewage backup in your home

Call in the professionals. With the dangers involved it is not worth putting yourself at risk. A professional cleaning company will deal with all aspects of the clean up for you, follow all safety regulations and they will have all the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They will also provide you with a certificate to confirm the service they have provided which can be forwarded to insurance companies.

You will need to contact your insurance company as soon as you can and it may benefit you to take some photos.

There are some things you can do if you discover sewage in your home, but only if it is safe to do so

• Block off the area. Keeping people and animals away, not only to keep them safe but to prevent any sewage water being trodden elsewhere through your home.
• Stop any further wastewater from being flushed or drained away.
• Turn off the water supply.
• Turn off the electricity supply to the affected area.

Why is sewage harmful to people?

Sewage water is also referred to as black water, this is the most hazardous water you could have entering your home. Black water contains human waste, bacteria, toxins and pathogens. It is incredibly harmful to human health, if it comes into contact with skin it can cause skin irritations. If airborne contaminants are inhaled over a long period of time, it can cause serious illnesses, long term respiratory problems or even death. 

What damage can sewage water do to properties?

Any type of water damage to your home can be a nightmare, but when it is black water it is so much worse due to how hazardous this type of water is. 

All porous items in the home, carpets and most items of furniture that have come into contact with the water or even some of those close by, will need to be disposed of. If it is something valuable to you, there are companies that may be able to restore it, although they would need to know it had been contaminated with black water so they can treat it accordingly.

Water can cause wood to swell and rot and with any water damage there’s the possibility of mould growth. Mould can grow on most surfaces and even on the inside walls damaging the structure of your home. The chances of this are higher with black water because of the contaminants already in the water.

Most home insurance policies will cover the cost of a sewage clean up. However, it is important to be aware that if the clean up isn’t done professionally, it may not be done thoroughly which can cause long term damage to a property, which insurance companies may not cover.

Navig8 Restoration offers a professional, rapid, emergency sewage clean up service, as well as other water damage remediation and restoration services.