Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Health Risks of Sewer Backups
Safety Issues of Water Damage due to Sewer Backups
Sewer problems can present a lot of health risks. (Photo Credits)
Sewer backups can be a problematic issue that goes beyond the usual flooding, clean up and expense. It can even become a health issue that may affect all household members.
The official website of the state of Massachusetts came up with an explanation on how dangerous sewer back-ups can be on human health. Read more here
“Pathogens are disease-causing agents, which can be in the form of bacteria, viruses, mold spores, or protozoans, and which are normally present in large numbers in sewage wastes. The nature and extent of potential pathogen risks of sewer backups and floodwaters will depend in large part on the potential contaminants expected to be in the waters.”
The full explanation can be found here.
Dealing with the health risks
Inspectapedia meanwhile laid out measures to undertake during a sewage back up. In the same discussion, it also mentioned the health risks involved once a sewage back up occurs.
“You should assume that any surface or material touched by sewage is contaminated. Watch out: Unless you are wearing appropriate safety gear, do not enter confined spaces that have been contaminated with sewage, as toxic, flammable or asphyxiating or even explosive gases including methane and hydrogen sulfide as well as airborne pathogens may be present. Keep children & pets out of the sewage-spill area.”
Read the rest of their warning here.
More health issues
Home Design Website Hunker.com also came up with a feature on sewage back-ups and what it means to the whole household’s over-all wellness. Apart from gas hazards, their web post emphasized the possible pathogens that live in the sewage water that has inundated the home.
“Raw sewage is an ideal medium for many pathogenic organisms that grow outside the body. Botulism – a powerful toxin – is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can be produced in raw sewage where there is little oxygen. E-coli, salmonella, campylobacter, intestinal amoebas, shigella and even cholera are included in the list of pathogens that can be carried in raw sewage.”
Take a look at the full text of the article here.
Dangerous chemicals can also be present in the sewage water. This can be in the form of cleansers that may have been flushed in the toilet or the drain. It is important that every household member vacate the area immediately and refrain from touching any part of the home that has been touched by the flood water.
The post Health Risks of Sewer Backups appeared first on 24HR San Diego Water Damage Pro.
Friday, August 24, 2018
How water damage weakens a home
Water damage can be very destructive
Water damage is so destructive especially when left untreated. (Photo Credits)
Water damage can be extremely destructive especially when it has been left untreated for a long period of time. It does not only damage a home for the short term, but it can definitely weaken the whole home.
The Washington Post came up with an informative article on how flood water and subsequent water damage destroys a home structure. The article was up-to-point and even had graphics to illustrate the facts that they are discussing in the article. 24hr Water Damage Repair San Diego Ca
“Water weakens regular drywall, and the paper facing provides food for mold, Reichel said. If drywall is soft, crumbly or moldy, it has to be replaced. Plaster and other materials may dry, but walls and ceilings that were in contact with water still need to be gutted down to the framing so that the insides can be cleaned and dried to prevent mold.”
Check out the rest of the feature article here.
Mold Damage
Mold damage also destroys a home. Forbes.com has published a web post on this saying that old homes with untreated water damage can definitely be problematic in this aspect.
“You might see signs of mold on the walls of an old home, but more often you will smell the musty gasses released by mold hidden in walls, attics and underfloor framing. Much has been written about the dangers of mold to the health of a structure and, more important, its inhabitants. If you smell the noxious, gassy byproduct of the mold anywhere, consider a thorough inspection by a professional. This can potentially be a major issue, as the cost to remove mold and properly install new drainage and waterproofing in a very old structure sometimes is not economically feasible.”
Check out the rest of the write-up here.
Structural Integrity
Third-Party Service Ratings Website Angie’s List says one of the most common sources of water damage at home is a leaking roof. Once a leaking roof goes untreated, the article mentioned that there are several damages that a home can sustain. Structural Integrity issues are one of the destruction that has been discussed in the write-up.
“Spongy and weak water-damaged wood can end in peeling paint, damaged ceilings, and buckled wall coverings. Structural damage is inevitable if there is a serious and long-standing roof leak. That means that a good chunk of deteriorated ceiling could give way and fall, damaging anything underneath. You would surely hate to find your laptop or television under a collapsed ceiling, but it would be even worse if you were under it.”
The whole article can be read here.
A home’s structural integrity is definitely at risk with untreated water damage.
The post How water damage weakens a home appeared first on 24HR San Diego Water Damage Pro.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Leaky Roof and Water Damage
How to deal with water damage on the ceiling
The problem with a leaky roof is that it may immediately cause water damage. (Photo Credits)
A leaky roof can be very problematic. It can be a safety hazard as it can cause slips, it is definitely an expense, and more importantly, it can cause water damage.
Home improvement website The Family Handyman has published a leaky roof 101 type of article in its website that helps homeowners understand and deal with roof leaks. Read more here
“If you have a leaky roof, you’d better fix it immediately, even if it doesn’t bother you much or you’re getting a new roof next year. Even over a short time, small leaks can lead to big problems, such as mold, rotted framing and sheathing, destroyed insulation and damaged ceilings. The flashing leak that caused an expensive repair bill was obvious from the ceiling stains for over two years. If the homeowner had dealt with it right away, the damage and subsequent repairs would have been minimal.”
Read their write-up here.
Dangers of a leaky roof
Third Party service ratings website Angie’s list came up with a list of the possible dangers of a leaky roof and its consequences.
“In the longer term, one of the most serious consequences of a leaking roof is mold and mildew growth. Mold can spread throughout the home’s structure, to the HVAC system and then to the rest of the house through the vents where it can invade carpets, furniture and even clothing. Black mold is the most common type resulting from chronic water intrusion. Toxic black mold growth is rare, but even non-toxic black mold attacks wood framing, ceiling tiles, and wall and floor coverings. Mold is difficult to get rid of, and it is rather costly.”
Check out the other dangers mentioned in the post here.
Handling roof leaks
The Seattle Times also published a news feature on dealing with roof problems. In the write-up they mentioned about ways to slow the leak until there is time for repair or replacement. They however emphasized that no matter what, leaks should be dealt with immediately.
“To get the leak inside the home under control, look for the “bulge” in the ceiling or where the most water has pooled. Position a bucket under the bulge, then punch a hole in the middle of it. Giving the water an escape route will minimize leak management to one or two locations but initially will quickly release gallons of trapped water. So, be prepared.”
The rest of the tips to slow the leaks can be found here.
Dealing with roof leaks as quickly as possible should be the response of any homeowner experiencing a leaky roof problem.
The post Leaky Roof and Water Damage appeared first on 24HR San Diego Water Damage Pro.