Things you need to know about standing water

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What is standing water?

Standing water can be defined as a pool of water, no matter what the size, it remains stagnant. Natural events like heavy rainfall, floods or storms often contribute to standing water. But it can also occur due to situations such as leaky pipe or bucket, pipe burst, leaky faucet, sewage backup, if not tackled on time. Standing water becomes hazardous over a period of time due to contaminants present in it, posing a severe risk to your health.

Where can standing water be found?

Standing water can occur in almost any area where the ground surface is not able to absorb the water resulting in water pooling. During excessive rains or storms, water gets accumulated on the ground if there is no outlet thus leading to water stagnation. The same applies to streets, where the drainage system is not sufficient to push out or sop up the water into the ground. In cities, standing water can occur when sewer systems suffer from inadequate infrastructure, thus unable to disperse heavy amounts of rainwater.

Which are the areas most prone to water stagnation?

Water stagnation is a common problem in properties that are not maintained or abandoned. There’s also a good chance of water getting accumulated when broken pipes are not repaired, flat roofs and lawns are not looked after. Homes that have swimming pools which are not in use, collect all the rainwater and eventually become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and insects.

What are the threats when it comes to health?

According to research, standing water eventually houses various bacteria and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, etc. It becomes a perfect environment for them to breed. The larvae after maturing carry and transmit deadly diseases. Mosquito breeding is quite common in standing water. It can be a source of diseases like malaria, dengue, etc.

Standing water is also conducive to mould and mildew growth. Mould could give rise to respiratory problems like sneezing, runny nose, cough, among others.

How can one avoid standing water in their home?

It is very important to prevent such a situation from occurring, to keep health issues at bay and protect your property from damage. Having regular checks for water buildup in lawns, on roofs, in the pools and around your home is a must. If you notice any stagnant water in these areas, get help immediately. Avoid cleaning any standing water on your own as this could have been stagnant for an undefined period of time, making it highly contaminated.

See also: Does your septic tank need emptying?

When an event contributes to the accumulation of water in unnecessary areas and causes substantial damage to property, turn to us for help. We provide water damage restoration as well as mould inspection and mould removal services to restore your home. Call us on 0427 411 789 to fix an appointment.

Sewage Spill - A Health Hazard

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A sewage spill is one of the most unpleasant situations that can occur in your home, not to mention one that can damage your property and cause serious sanitation problems. A septic tank backup, a toilet overflow, a clogged drain, or area flooding due to a natural calamity, all classify as water damage and can create a hazardous environment for your family. Also of paramount concern is the health risk of being exposed, especially to a sewage spill. If the spill is small, you can choose to clean it up yourself with specialized cleaning products to disinfect the area. But if the spill is massive, it’s best to call in the professionals. Even just being in the vicinity of the spill can put your family’s health at risk, because the contaminants contained in sewage and septic tank spills can cause serious illness or disease.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when a sewage spill occurs:

Evacuate

It is important to act quickly and evacuate all people with compromised immune systems, or problems like asthma. These would include young children, the infirm and the elderly, and even your pets. Ensure that nobody eats or drinks in the location of the spill.

Act quickly

The longer you are exposed to the sewage, the worse it gets, because bacteria spread quickly. Parasites, fungi and viruses are also among the agents found in raw sewage responsible for causing diseases like Hepatitis A. Allowing time to pass before clean-up may also create foul doors that will later be difficult to remove. Therefore, spills must be dealt with promptly.

Stay protected

Spills must also be dealt with in a safe manner, wearing protective gear, considering that one is handling infectious waste. Wear waterproof boots and gloves, a face mask, safety goggles or similar protective eyewear, and thick clothing which is best to throw away after the cleanup. If one already has any wounds, cuts or bruises on the body, they must be covered up so that they do not get exposed to sewage.

How long has it been there?

If the spill or overflow has happen when no one is around, it’s likely that it has been sitting around for some hours. It is probably too late to stop bacteria from spreading. Safety gear is essential in such a situation and breathing apparatuses are highly advised.

Mould growth

It is also necessary to protect other areas and your property such as furniture from the overflow. Water damage creates an environment conducive to the growth of mould or fungi. This can play havoc with your family’s health in the long run.

After the cleanup, the property must be thoroughly decontaminated, to create a safe and healthy environment in your home.

See Also: Proper sewage cleanup is necessary

Call in the pros

Getting professional help is necessary in case of a large spill. We at Bio Cleanse Services handle sewage cleanup in a professional manner. Apart from cleaning up the disgusting mess, we also clean carpet and upholstery, decontaminate and restore your property. Speed is our forte, and this would not only mean damage control but would also help you get back to normal life quickly. Call us on 0427 411 789.

Is your home infested with black mould?

Black mould or Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus which is considered to be one of the most dangerous of its kind. It grows in dark, moist/damp places in the house like on the walls, tiles, ceilings and wooden cabinets. It not only gives your house an unkempt appearance but also poses a risk of several health problems to the inhabitants. Below are signs that will help you detect the presence of black mould in your house before it’s too late.

1. Musty odour

Mould has a musty, earthy and stale smell. Even if you do not see any mould but notice a peculiar smell when you enter an area in the house, it is a telltale sign of mould's presence. It is important to have the whole house inspected as mould could be hiding and growing underneath moist wallpapers, carpets, or in washing machines, air conditioning, etc.

In many cases, the occupants get accustomed to this musty, damp smell. Hence, it is advisable to have a friend to come over and detect if there are any odd smells.

2. Visible dark spots

Another sign that tells you black mould could be growing in your house is the appearance of black or dark green spots on the ceilings or walls. Black mould appears in clusters and often looks slimy. Even if you feel these spots are anything but mould, they could be due to water damage or standing water, which could lead to mould growth.

When you notice these spots are a result of water damage, call a water damage restoration specialist to clean and remediate the site as well as to check if there are any other areas that have suffered damages to avoid mould problems.

3. Effects on health

The most common health effects of black mould are allergic reactions. The symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If anyone in your house has been experiencing these symptoms for a while, it is best to have the entire house checked for mould by a professional.

4. Visible mould growth

At times, the growth of black mould in your house may be easily visible. While it is usually black in colour, furry and slimy, its colour may differ. In some cases, it may have hints of dark brown, greenish-black, or even orange or white.

No matter what the colour, every kind of mould needs to be removed thoroughly and the affected area should be disinfected properly.

If you suspect you may have a mould problem, call us on 0427 411 789 and we’ll take care of the rest.

The long-term effects of Water Damage

Whether caused by a flooding or a simple leak in the roof, water damage can have catastrophic consequences on your home. While destroying your property, your furniture, electronics, it goes so far as to put your health at serious risk. Not to mention the damage it does to the resale value of your home.

Heavy rain, quick melting of snow, flash floods increase the possibility of water damage, made worse if your home lacks adequate waterproofing. Causes for water damage can range from a flood to a broken pipe, a sewer backup, broken fixtures, plumbing leaks, foundation cracks, clogged toilets, 
overflowing washing machines, 
faulty drainage systems, etc.

Water damage tends to start out unseen. The first and most critical step to fixing it is detecting it. It is important to have it remediated as soon as possible to prevent it from causing problems some of which are listed below.

Discoloration and Sagging

The unmistakable sign of a leak is discoloration of the ceiling, the beams roofing underlayment or of the walls. This can be considered the most minimal long-term water damage. When water accumulates in one spot resulting in a sudden bulge or change in the ceiling or walls, it causes the structure to ‘sag’.

Structural Damage

When a leak occurs, water seeps into drywall and gets absorbed. It causes the material to warp, chip or swell. If not treated quickly enough, it poses danger to the home’s structure.

• Constant exposure to water can result in the growth of fungi or mould, which then rots the structural wood. A worst case scenario is when the area at risk is an important structure of the house, like a support beam. It is of paramount importance to fix the leak and repair the damage. If ignored, it might just bring your roof down. 

• Concrete is more durable than wood. But, in cases such as flood damage, the accumulation of moisture in cracks and crevices can cause a host of problems including corrosion of steel inside the concrete structure.
• Water damage can also affect electrical wiring, the electrical circuit box, and electrical equipment in the house. This could risk the occurrence of power breakdowns at the least, and in worse situations, electrical burns and electrocution. 

Mildew and Mould 

One of the most common consequences of water damage is the growth and spread of mould in the house. Moisture trapped in a confined space quickly invites these microscopic fungi which destroy everything they touch and then continue to spread to other areas. Mould can potentially weaken the framework where a leak is located, thereby weakening the foundation of your home.

Health Risks

Mould produces spores, which when come into contact with water, proliferate, and begin to pollute the air. This poses a serious health risk. From aggravating allergy and asthma symptoms, from causing breathing difficulties, to respiratory diseases, mould affects children, the elderly and people whose immune systems have already been compromised.

As soon as a residence or any structure has been compromised by water damage, immediate cleanup and remediation is very important. If it is extensive, and you attempt to treat it yourself, you may not manage 100% damage control. In time, the lingering effects of the damage may come back to haunt your home and family. Your safest move would be to call in the professionals. Bio Cleanse Services is all equipped to help you in your toughest times. Call us on 0412 547 547 or visit our website to know more.

Basics Of Mould You Need To Know

What is mould? Where can I find it? Is it harmful? A lot of people are misinformed or have poor knowledge about the basic knowledge on mould and mould growing in their houses.

What is mould?
Mould is a fungus that grows and thrives in damp conditions. It is micro-organism which reproduces via spores. They lack chlorophyll which requires sunlight. Due to this mould can thrive even in dark places and wet places.

What is Toxic Mould?
Some mould can be toxic to the human health. They produce allergens and other toxic substances than can harm your health. Not all mould is toxic, toxic moulds refer to moulds that produce mycotoxins.

Where can I find toxic mould in my house?
When it comes to finding mould, the first sign is the musty smell it leaves in the room. We see mould in our day-to-day lives without realising. If you take a closer look at the black spots around the sink or the grout between the tiles, you’ll see some black coloured substance present there. This is mould! It can be difficult to identify mould in basements and cellars due to lighting. Mould on the wall can be easily identified by the dark growth (black stains on the wall.

Is mould bad for my health?
Mould is very toxic for your health. It can give rise to breathing problems, allergies and skin problems like rashes. They can also cause asthma attacks.

Give us a call at 042 741 1789 or visit our website http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/services/mould-remediation/ to schedule an appointment with us.