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.

Does your septic tank need emptying?

Something that isn't talked about much but deserves attention is the septic tank. A septic tank is used to collect and manage residential sewage. It is important to keep a check on it to ensure it's not overflowing and to prevent sewage problems. Here are few signs to look out for that indicate your septic tank has reached its capacity.

1. Water Pooling

If you notice a pool of water surrounding the drain field of the septic system, it is an indication that the tank is overflowing. When the tank gets full, the drain field piping system gets clogged with all the solid waste. This results in the liquid seeping out to the surface. So if you find yourself in a situation like this, you should immediately get your system pumped.

2. Slow moving drains

A clog could cause your drains to move slowly. But even after resorting to unclogging methods, if you still find your drains lagging, it could mean your septic system is full. And this could also be a reason for slow flushing in toilets.

3. Odour

Along with waste, a septic tank also accumulates gray water coming from showers, sinks, washing machines and dish washers. When this water is combined with black water coming from toilets, it produces a foul smell that is enough to keep visitors away. If you smell something unpleasant around your home, call for professional services without any second thoughts.

4. An overly green lawn

If the grass above your septic tank system appears to be much greener than usual, this could be a sign of sewage breakout or leakage from the septic system. In such a case your system may require emptying or a check for leakages.

5. Sewer backup

One of the most obvious ways to tell that your septic system can take no more is a sewer backup. If you experience this in your bathroom or even in your basement, you need to call a professional right away to get the matter fixed.

When it comes to sewage cleanups, we are the experts. Contact us on 0427 411 789 for a professional cleanup.

Things you need to know about sewage problems!

If you're a homeowner, this is one of the worst nightmares you can experience. A sewage problem can be a nuisance, loss to property and as well as a huge health hazard. Torrential downpour deluge your property and neighborhood with rainwater, overwhelming your home’s sewer system or your sump pump’s ability to handle the water runoff.

Most people don't realize they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a sewage system. Over a period of time, the sewer lines can easily deteriorate, crack, collapse or be obstructed. You might not have a clue that this kind of damage is occurring. One severe rainstorm may be all it takes to bring the problem to a head.

Here are some facts on sewage:

• Sewage is the term used for wastewater that often contains faeces, urine and laundry waste. 
• There are billions of people on Earth, so treating sewage is a big priority. 
• Sewage disposal is a major problem in developing countries, as many people in these areas don't have access to sanitary conditions and clean water. 
• Untreated sewage water in such areas can contaminate the environment and cause diseases such as diarrhea. 
• Sewage is treated in water treatment plants and the waste is often disposed into the sea. 
• Sewage is mainly biodegradable and most of it is broken down in the environment. 
• In developed countries, sewage often causes problems when people flush chemical and pharmaceutical substances down the toilet. When people are ill, sewage often carries harmful viruses and bacteria into the environment, causing health problems. 

We help you in sewage problems and cleaning. Call us before it’s too late. Contact our professional team at Bio Cleanse Pty. Ltd. on 042 741 1789 or visit our website on http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/ for a free quote.

How can you help to reduce sewer overflows?

Sewage is a water-carried waste in solution or suspension that is intended to be removed from a community. Domestic households, industrial and agricultural practices produce wastewater, which can cause pollution of many surroundings, lakes and rivers. It is also known as wastewater. It is more than 99% water and is characterized by volume or rate of flow, physical condition, chemical and toxic constituents! It is harmful for human health and is needed to get rid off as soon as possible.

So how can you help to reduce sewer overflow?

• Take care of cracked pipes: Tree roots can invade even the smallest cracks in pipes. As the roots grow, so does the size of the cracks, take care of broken pipes and growing trees. As they say, precaution is better than cure.

• Broken pipes: Broken sewer pipes not only let stormwater in, they can also allow untreated waste to enter the soil and create unhealthy conditions. If you suspect broken pipes, have your system inspected by Bio Cleanse Pty. Ltd.

• Boundary traps: This acts as an inspection point on the sewerage system. It also stops sewer odours from reaching the property. 

• Direct connection: Sometimes direct connection to the sewerage system may seem easier. The effect of doing so is overflow of diluted raw sewage further down the system. This is a major cause of sewer overflow.

• Inspection holes: Poorly fitted, cracked or broken inspection holes on the main sewer system can let water into the sewerage system.

• Low-lying gullies: A gully is an open pipe which is covered with a grill. It is used to release any backflow from blocked sewer pipes and make sure it doesn't overflow inside the house. 

Visit us on http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au / for more info and to hire professional services for sewage cleaning.

Proper sewage cleanup is necessary

Always practice for proper hygiene! Sewage spills can harm your health adversely and give you lots of problems health-wise.

Dirty or contaminated water is the world's biggest health risk, and continues to threaten both quality of life and public health. Running water picks up toxic chemicals, dirt, trash and disease-carrying organisms along the way. 

If you have items contaminated by flood waters or sewage spills, proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures should be followed to prevent illness. Raw sewage contains biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause serious illness and even death. Always presume that floodwater is contaminated with sewage so there is a need to take precaution before coming in contact with any of such water streams.

Contaminated water is not only harmful to mankind but also fish, birds and wildlife. So there is a need to prevent contamination of water whenever possible and hire professional services to handle the situation properly. 

In the urban areas, water gets contaminated in many different ways, some of the most common reasons being leaky water pipe joints in areas where the water pipe and sewage line pass close together. Sometimes the water gets polluted at the source due to various reasons mainly due to the inflow of sewage into the source.

Sewage cleaning should be taken very seriously; it also shouldn’t be carried out by a common man. It is a high-risk cleanup, it can give you a lot of diseases or sickness. Professional help is required for such matters.

The global water crisis claims 3.4 million lives each year: Act fast!

See Also: Sewage Spill-  A Health Hazard 

Contact us at Bio-Cleanse Pty. Ltd. For a free quote call us on 042 741 1789 or click on www bio-cleanse.com.au for more knowledge.