The Health Hazards Of Sewage Water
Sewage overflows can occur without warning, putting yourself and those that you love at risk of certain health hazards.
In South Florida, tree root invasion and clogged pipes put sewage systems at risk of overflow. Sewer repair and cleaning services are essential to prevent the health hazards of sewage water from becoming a reality.
Our expert team of licensed plumbing experts at Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning are dedicated to serving Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties with efficient and quality service.
What Is Sewage Water?
Sewage water is as unhygienic and dirty as the name suggests. Raw sewage is mostly water that contains human excrement, industrial waste, and other unsanitary debris.
A well-designed sewer system will feed sewage into a wastewater treatment plant. However, this isn’t always the case, and sometimes it leaks into the streets, or the home septic tank may spring a leak.
Unfortunately, this presents a major health hazard as sewage is a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites thrive in sewage water. When humans are exposed to a sewage spill, it opens up opportunities for infection and illness.
When Does Sewage Water Spill?
Sewage overflows can happen due to several circumstances. Damaged or blocked plumbing, sewerage system backflow, septic tank damage, and floodwater can all contribute to the spillage of sewage water.
In the case of a sewage spill, it’s important to contact our professional team at Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning. Our sewer repair services are effective in preventing potential health hazards.
The Health Hazards Of Sewage Water
Exposure to sewage water is a risky business. The contaminated water can spread from the hand to the mouth through eating, touching the face, or even drinking. Any cuts on the skin can also expose an individual to bacteria that live in sewage.
People that work at sewage plants, in particular, are at risk of these health hazards. Appropriate PPE is needed to add a layer of protection against diseases involving sewage.
There are several types of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Bacterial Diseases
The most common sewage-related bacterial diseases and infections include:
- Diarrhea – loose, watery bowel movements
- Salmonellosis – upset stomach and abdominal cramping
- Shigellosis – fever and diarrhea
- Trachoma – an infection of the eye
- Melioidosis – flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, and pain
- Typhoid fever – sustained weakness and flu-like symptoms
- E.Coli – nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps
There are several viral diseases and infections from sewage water that presents a health hazard. Such as:
- Gastroenteritis – stomach flu
- Hepatitis A – a disease of the liver
- Encephalitis – an acute inflammatory viral disease
Parasitic Diseases
In addition to bacterial and viral diseases and infections, sewage water also introduces the risk of parasites that are water-borne.
- Giardiasis – infection of the small intestine
- Dwarf tapeworm – symptoms of nausea and weakness
- Threadworm – itchy and irritable symptoms
- Hookworm – itchy and localized rash
Action Steps When You Find Sewage Water
What do you do if you find a sewage spill around your home or suspect that you’ve been exposed to raw sewage?
The first thing to do is to call a professional plumber from Art Rooter, Sewer, & Drain Cleaning. Our expert team is available during working hours and in the case of an emergency.
Additionally, there are steps to take after being exposed to sewage water that can help prevent disease or infection.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or smoking
- Avoid touching nose, mouth, eyes, or ears
- Keep your fingernails short
- Wear waterproof gloves when managing wastewater
- Change out of any contaminated clothing and shower thoroughly
- Separate dirty clothes from other clothes
- Thoroughly clean any exposed cuts or lesions
Avoid Health Hazards From Sewage Water Today
At Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning, you can expect prompt and reliable service to fix any sewage issues. Moreover, you can also prevent issues by conducting regular sewer maintenance.
If you are in need of emergency assistance, you can call our emergency hotline at 1-888-773-1524. Remember, big or small; Art can fix it!
