The Down and Dirty on Raw Sewage
Anyone who’s had raw sewage back up into their home knows what a nightmare the repercussions are. The sheer expense alone is enough to make someone sick, not to mention the bacterial, viral, and parasitic concerns. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over seven million people a year become ill due to exposure to raw sewage. And seven percent of those people suffer from severe, sometimes fatal illnesses.
Bacterial infections are certainly a concern with the risk of exposure to Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, Salmonella, Leptospira, and Shigella to name a few. All of which are rampant in raw sewage. Viruses are also commonly contracted from contact with sewage backups. Rotavirus, adenovirus, Norwalk virus, Hepatitis A, and the frightening Poliomylitis Virus are likely present as well. If somehow you’ve avoided becoming contaminated with one of these viruses or bacteria, there’s always a chance to get a parasite. How does Cryptosporidium sound? How about Giardia? How will you know if you’ve become infected? You’ll likely think you’ve got the stomach flu, but some of these nasty parasites, viruses, and bacterial infections can also cause bloody stool and even paralysis. Needless to say, it’s best to avoid any contact with raw sewage if you have a backup in your home or business. Professional biohazard cleanup is without question the only approach.
Raw Sewage NOT on the Menu
Unfortunately, zero contact wasn’t an option for all the traveling guest at one particular bed and breakfast in Springfield, Massachusetts. When raw sewage backed up throughout the home one morning, there was literally human waste spewing out of the sink drains, including the kitchen, and the toilets were overflowing into the seven bedrooms.
My husband and I were on our 20th anniversary trip. We just strolled down the hall to breakfast and there was suddenly this very offensive odor, like something died. And the worse part was that it seemed to be coming from the kitchen. We skipped the highly acclaimed breakfast. Believe me, we’d read all the reviews, and people all over the country raved about those breakfasts. Having lived in Mobile, Alabama my whole life, I was just devastated to have to eat fast food for my first New England breakfast, but it was certainly a blessing in disguise considering what we missed!
Darla and her husband missed quite a scene, too. There were two guests who charged into the breakfast dining area with feces covering their shoes up to their ankles, screaming that their room was flooded with raw sewage. The owner came out of the kitchen dry heaving, with sewage splattered on his apron. It was grotesque to say the least and simply devastating for the business owners. Two plumbers later, the owner of the B&B called on Advanced Bio Treatment for their expertise and professional cleanup services.
Holding all the required certifications surrounding the handling and disposal of biohazard waste, and with years of experience under their belts, Advanced Bio Treatment was the obvious choice according the B&B owner.
Advanced Bio Treatment was not only amazingly courteous and professional, but they were fast. I had some basic remodeling to do once the cleanup was complete, but because of Advanced Bio Treatment’s quick response, I didn’t lose nearly as much as I could have. After the cleanup was complete, they used a Halo hydrogen peroxide fogger to kill any bacteria, viruses, and parasites that might have remained unseen. They were also able to completely remove the offensive odor.
Advanced Bio Treatment is honored to serve businesses and home owners in Massachusetts as well as throughout our nation. We are proud to offer our team of highly trained professionals to address and attack your worst cleanup needs. Whether it be a raw sewage backup, an accident scene, or another biohazard disaster, we are here for you 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
Our professional operators are standing by now at 1-800-295-1684 to answer your questions, offer you a quote, help with insurance claims, and send our technicians to you immediately.
