Health Hazards Of Leaking Sewage | News

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What our customers say

Ben and Shane did a brilliant and really thorough job on clearing a huge amount of spilled paint from my patio. They were prompt and very polite. Raj back in the office was a pleasure to deal with.

Anonymous

Fantastic work. Mick and Mick attended our property and completed a Facade clean on our brickworks and did a great job. We have an older property, so the results were always going to be limited; however they both did a great job from start to finish. The attached images highlight the quality of their work. I would highly recommend Vinci and their team for future works.

Ash Wright

Arrived and completed works on time. The whole team were very dedicated, polite and hard working. They were very respectful of the property and adhered to Covid rules at all times. The finished job was done to a very high standard and a few extra little bits too. The kitchen looks and smells amazing. We will definitely use them again in the future and would recommend to anyone wanting a professional, expert high standard clean.

Bobby

Gavin did a great job at restoring my flooded property. Can’t recommend him and his team enough. A++

Carl Leverson

Raj and colleagues have single handedly kept me sane with advice, quotes, help and reassurance throughout a very stressful damp and mould issue. Although the insurance took over and “did their own job” I know these guys are there should the work fall short of what I have come to expect to be needed to resolve a horrible issue such as mould remediation. I would not hesitate to call again, their friendly helpful communication was a breath of fresh air amongst a wall of silence from my maintenance and insurance companies. I hope to not need their services but I would most definitely recommend them or use them in future for any such needs.

Thank you thank you thank you guys so so much, invaluable in such a stressful 2years (yep!) of finding a resolution to the water escape.

Christie Petrucha-Rourke

We got in in touch with Vinci Response Services to complete a façade clean on one of our properties in King Cross.

We are very happy with the service that we received and cannot thank the entire team enough for their professionalism.. a job very well done.

We will most definitely be using Vinci Response Services again and would definitely recommend their services to anyone else. A big thank you to Marc and his colleagues.

Community Manager at AW Offices

Our house was severely affected by black mould throughout our house. We were certain it was causing health issues. These worries were confirmed by Vinci and they carried out a survey alongside a full mould remediation service. Thank you.

Daniel Biggin

Ben and Shane were totally brilliant, trustworthy and polite – thank you for doing such a great job on cleaning the paint from the patio

Esther Walker

Contact Us

03335 772 996

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Unit 3.1 Central Point
Kirpal Road
Portsmouth, Hampshire
PO3 6FH

A man feeding a tube into an open septic tank to help illustrate the health hazards of leaking sewage.

Sewage leaks can be a nightmare for any property owner, posing serious health hazards and potential environmental contamination.

Understanding the risks of leaking sewage is crucial to protecting human health and the surrounding ecosystem.

In this blog, we will delve into the different types of sewage, their health hazards, and the significance of seeking professional sewage clean-up services to mitigate these risks effectively.

What Is Sewage?

Sewage refers to the waste and wastewater produced by residential, commercial, and industrial activities.

It contains organic and inorganic matter, chemicals, pathogens, and other contaminants.

Proper management and treatment of sewage are crucial to protect human health, prevent environmental pollution, and maintain the integrity of water resources.

There are two main types of sewage:

Greywater

Greywater is wastewater generated from non-toilet plumbing fixtures in residential or commercial buildings. It includes water from sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and other household appliances. Greywater may contain traces of soap, detergent, food particles, and other non-toxic substances. While it can be reused for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation or toilet flushing, after minimal treatment, it is essential to avoid contact with or ingestion of greywater due to potential contaminants.

Raw Sewage (Blackwater)

Raw sewage, also known as blackwater, is the most hazardous type. It comprises human waste, water flushed from toilets, and waste from kitchen sinks and dishwashers. Raw sewage contains a high concentration of harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, and solid waste. This type of sewage poses severe health risks and environmental hazards if not properly managed and treated.

The differentiation between greywater and raw sewage is crucial as they have distinct contamination levels.

Greywater is relatively less harmful and may have the potential for reuse in certain applications, while raw sewage demands immediate attention and professional remediation due to its high risk of causing waterborne diseases and environmental pollution.

Proper handling and treatment of both types of sewage are essential to ensure public health, protect water quality, and preserve the environment.

Health Hazards Of Sewage

Leaking sewage and exposure to untreated wastewater pose significant health hazards to individuals and communities.

The health risks of sewage exposure are primarily due to various harmful pathogens and contaminants. Here are some of the main health hazards of sewage:

Waterborne Diseases: Sewage contains many disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These pathogens can contaminate drinking water and recreational water bodies when leaked into water sources or left standing in areas. Consuming or coming into contact with contaminated water can lead to waterborne illnesses such as gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Gastrointestinal Infections: Pathogens present in sewage, like E. coli and Salmonella, can cause severe gastrointestinal infections. These infections are particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Respiratory Problems: As sewage decomposes, it releases foul-smelling gases like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. Prolonged exposure to these noxious gases can irritate the respiratory system, leading to respiratory problems, exacerbating asthma, and aggravating other respiratory conditions.
Skin Infections and Irritation: Direct contact with sewage-contaminated water or surfaces can lead to skin infections, rashes, and irritation. Open wounds or cuts can become infected when exposed to contaminated water, further increasing the risk of infection.
Hepatitis A: Sewage can carry the Hepatitis A virus, which causes liver inflammation. This viral infection can spread through contaminated water and food, leading to a range of symptoms from mild flu-like symptoms to more severe liver-related complications.
Parasitic Infections: Parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium are commonly found in sewage. These parasites can cause gastrointestinal illnesses when ingested, leading to chronic diarrhoea and other health problems.
Vector-Borne Diseases: Stagnant sewage can attract disease-carrying insects like flies and mosquitoes, which can then transmit diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and other infections to humans.
Environmental Contamination: Sewage leakage can contaminate soil, groundwater, and nearby water bodies, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases among wildlife and impacting the ecosystem.

Given the severe health risks of sewage exposure, immediate action is necessary to mitigate the hazards.

Professional sewage clean-up services should ensure the safe and thorough removal of sewage, decontaminating affected areas, and preventing further health and environmental risks.

Proper handling, treatment, and disposal of sewage are vital to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and maintain the well-being of communities.

Professional Sewage Clean-Up Services

Professional sewage clean-up services are critical in addressing the health hazards and environmental risks of leaking sewage.

When sewage spills, or leaks occur, it is essential to seek the expertise of trained professionals with the knowledge, skills, and specialised equipment to handle hazardous waste safely and efficiently.

Here are some key aspects of professional sewage clean-up services:

Health and Safety Expertise: Trained professionals are well-versed in dealing with hazardous materials and understand the potential health risks associated with sewage exposure. They follow strict health and safety protocols, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimise their own exposure and prevent cross-contamination.
Specialised Equipment: Professional sewage clean-up crews are equipped with specialised tools and advanced equipment designed to remove and decontaminate sewage safely. This includes high-powered pumps, industrial vacuums, and disinfection devices, which facilitate thorough cleaning and restoration of affected areas.
Effective Techniques: These experts employ proven techniques for sewage clean-up, ensuring the efficient removal of sewage and contaminants. They understand how to address hidden contamination that may not be immediately visible, preventing potential health risks down the line.
Thorough Decontamination: Professional sewage clean-up services involve thorough decontamination of the affected areas to eliminate pathogens and prevent the spread of diseases. They use hospital-grade disinfectants to sanitise surfaces and reduce the risk of bacterial or viral infections.
Odor Removal: Foul odours are common after sewage spills, and professionals have the expertise to address and eliminate these unpleasant smells effectively. They use specialised techniques to neutralise odours, improving indoor air quality and ensuring a safe living or working environment.
Environmental Protection: Besides safeguarding human health, professional clean-up services prioritise environmental protection. They employ responsible disposal methods for collected sewage and contaminated materials, minimising the impact on local ecosystems and water sources.
Source Identification and Prevention: Apart from cleaning up the immediate mess, professional sewage clean-up teams also identify the source of the sewage leakage or spill. By addressing the root cause, they help prevent future incidents, protecting your property from recurring sewage-related problems.
Restoration Services: Once the sewage is removed and the area is decontaminated, professional clean-up services may offer restoration assistance. This may include repairing damaged structures, replacing contaminated materials, and ensuring your property is returned to its pre-incident condition.

Conclusion

Leaking sewage poses significant health hazards and environmental risks, making it crucial to seek professional sewage clean-up services.

Trained experts have the necessary expertise, equipment, and techniques to safely and effectively handle sewage spills, mitigate health risks and prevent further contamination.

By relying on professional sewage clean-up services, property owners can ensure the prompt restoration of their premises, protect human health and contribute to environmental preservation.

Swift action and the involvement of experienced professionals are vital to minimising the impact of sewage leaks and safeguarding the community’s well-being.

THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF LEAKING SEWAGE: HOW PROFESSIONAL REMEDIATION CAN HELP