Posts Tagged ‘sewage backup’

Basement Waterproofing – A Preventative Step in Protecting Your Home

Rhett
Mar 30 |15:05

Basement waterproofing is a safe and reliable way to combat basement water seepage, sump pump malfunctions, and sewer/septic system failures.  Basement waterproofing is needed anytime a structure is built at ground level or below ground level.  Considerations should be made in cases where ground water is likely to build up in the soil and can raise the water table.  This higher water table causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath basement floors and against basement walls.   

 

Hydrostatic pressure forces water through cracks in the foundation walls, through openings caused by expansion and contraction of the footing-foundation wall joint and up through floor cracks.  This pressure can cause major structural damage to foundation walls and is likely to contribute to mold, decay and other moisture-related problems. 

 

 

Green Clean’s water damage restoration service follows a step-by-step process that will not only disinfect and sanitize the area after a complete structural drying, but it also detects water beneath floor coverings, within walls, wood framing, insulation and sheetrock.  Green Clean also specializes in mold remediation.

 

Categories of Water in Water Damage

admin
May 13 |12:08

Water damage is divided into three general classes: Class 1-Clean Water; Class 2-Gray Water; and Class 3-Black Water. The class of the water contamination is not determined by the color of the water, it is determined by the source, contents, history and characteristics of the water.

Class 1 – Clean Water

Clean water comes from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans.  Examples include, but not limited to, broken supply pipes and appliance malfunctions.  Clean water in flooded structures that remain untreated may change to class 2 water in as little as 48 hours and class 3 water in as little as 96 hours.

Class 2 – Gray Water

 Gray water contains a significant level of contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort and sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. Examples include, but not limited to, discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine (no feces), and sump pump failures.  Gray water in flooded structures that remain untreated may change to Class 3 water in as little as 48 hours.

Class 3 – Black Water

Black water contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary.  Black water includes sewage and other contaminated water. Toilet back-flows that originate from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water, regardless of visible content or color.  Black water includes all forms of flooding from ground surface  water and rising water from streams and rivers.  Such water sources carry silt and organic matter into structures and create black water conditions.

Microorganismsare always present in the indoor environment.  To prevent amplification of microorganisms, immediate response is necessary for all classes of water intrusion.

If you do have a water damage problem in your
home call Green Clean Carpet Care Restoration at
763-789-9600 for immediate assistance.

 

What should I keep and discard after a sewage backup?

admin
May 7 |20:48

Carpets, drywall, and insulation contaminated with sewage or “black water” must be discarded. 

What about your personal contents?

Making the decision of what to keep and what to discard following a sewage backup is a tough decision, especially if some of the items are irreplaceable or have great sentimental value.

Hiring a professional water damage restoration company like Green Clean will increase the chances of salvage. The knowledge, experience, and special equipment of a professional
company will allow a thorough dry out that will prevent additional bacteria growth
 and an efficient decontamination and disinfection of affected areas.

Here is a brief list of what to keep and what to discard:


* Upholstered furniture may be impossible to salvage if it has been badly soaked
in gray or black water as fabrics will absorb a dangerous amount of sewage water and bacteria.
* Hardwood furniture can be salvaged if dried and decontaminated thoroughly within
 24-48 hours and no mold growth is found.
* Laminate furniture should be discarded because the contaminated water can penetrate into the particle board.
* Furniture made of particle board or pressed wafer board should be discarded as
they are very likely to absorb sewage water and bacteria.
* Appliances and electrical devices must be carefully examined, preferably by an
electrician. If dark water penetrated into your appliances, do not use them until they are
determined clean and safe.
* Toys must be discarded. Discard all stuffed toys. Even if you think
you can completely clean and disinfect these items, keep in mind that they may badly affect
 your child’s safety. Discard any item a toddler or baby might put in his mouth.
* Fabrics, clothes and linen are very hard to clean and salvage. You may want to consider
 sending damaged fabrics and textiles to a professional dry cleaning facility.
* Discard all foods and medicines, including garden produce, that have come in contract
with flood waters. Only foods sealed in airtight metal cans that are not bulging or damaged
 and have been properly sanitized can be saved.
* Clean and sanitize dishes, cooking utensils and food preparation areas before using them.
* Discard wooden cutting boards, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers, since
it’s nearly impossible to safely clean them.

If you do have a water damage problem in your
home call Green Clean Carpet Care Restoration at
763-789-9600 for immediate assistance.

 

Wet Carpet in Basements

admin
Apr 12 |01:51

In spring, summer, and fall, wet or flooded basements can be a common occurrence especially when melting or heavy rains occur.

This most commonly happens when water seeps in through the foundation or when a sump pump malfunctions. When Carpet gets wet the first reaction is to remove the water or call a carpet cleaner to get the carpets cleaned. It’s definitely important to remove the water but cleaning the carpets isn’t enough. The carpet should be pulled back  the padding should be removed and the carpet should be dried out as quickly as possible. By using High Velocity Airmovers and Inustrial Dehumidifiers carpet can typically be dried within 24 hours or less.

In addition walls, insulation and other structural materials should be checked for moisture. By following the proper procedures excessive mold contamination can be avoided.

When you are looking for more water damage tips, come back and visit our blog.  If you find yourself in a water damage emergency, call our emergency 24 hour hotline.