sewer backup spill unhealthy?

[Johnny S. Seale]

Our mainlines backup a couple of times a year. During a recent episode we found out that a lot of debris, raw sewerage and puddles were under the house (raised foundation w/ dirt floor). Weve been given a very expensive estimate to clean up this mess. Does this present a health hazard for my family? Is it essential that it be done?

[ValerieParticipant]

If you are sure no toxic or flammable chemicals are in the sewage there is no problem at all / besides the smell. If you live in a residential area with no dry cleaners, autobody shops, paint factory, gasoline factory, illegal drug labs…etc. there will be no problem. Legally none of these people can put chemicals down the drain anyway.The only thing normal sewage will do is act as a fertilizer to any plants in the ground. Natural decomposition will take care of the rest.Waste of this type may contain bacteria like E.Coli (Feacal Coliforms). If no-one can touch the actuall spill or somehow swallow it there is no way anyone can get sick.People who work at sewage plants touch this stuff every day. There still healthy.Short Answer: Dont Worry, Dont Pay To Clean It Up.I have a Water Quality Technology Diploma and have taken four five month classes in Water and Waste Water Micro-Biology.

[ValerieParticipant]

: Our mainlines backup a couple of times a year. During a recent episode we found out that a lot of debris, raw sewerage and puddles were under the house (raised foundation w/ dirt floor). Weve been given a very expensive estimate to clean up this mess. Does this present a health hazard for my family? Is it essential that it be done?Valerie, contact Bacteria Concepts, Inc. to obtain one of their products to apply for a cost effective, elimination of the odor.I think there might be a checking device that could be installed in your sewer pipe, that would prevent this unpleasant event from occurring in the future. Perhaps a Master Plumber who is a member of this Bulletin Board, could shed some light on the specifics of this device.

[ValerieParticipant]

Corbin: Good answer! I own a drain cleaning business and have been around this sort of mess most days of my life these past 24 yrs. I have never been healthier since I got into drain cleaning. I have a theory that the constant exposure has strengthened my immune system to super-human proportions. I agree with you, she could clean up herself with a rake and shovel, spread some lime over area, no way would I pay an expensive amount. Save your money honey and do it yourself!: If you are sure no toxic or flammable chemicals are in the sewage there is no problem at all / besides the smell. If you live in a residential area with no dry cleaners, autobody shops, paint factory, gasoline factory, illegal drug labs…etc. there will be no problem. Legally none of these people can put chemicals down the drain anyway.: The only thing normal sewage will do is act as a fertilizer to any plants in the ground. Natural decomposition will take care of the rest.: Waste of this type may contain bacteria like E.Coli (Feacal Coliforms). If no-one can touch the actuall spill or somehow swallow it there is no way anyone can get sick.: People who work at sewage plants touch this stuff every day. There still healthy.: Short Answer: Dont Worry, Dont Pay To Clean It Up.: I have a Water Quality Technology Diploma and have taken four five month classes in Water and Waste Water Micro-Biology.

[ValerieParticipant]

Dear Valerie,I can only offer this advice based on the brief information provided by you:If your home is using well water for your water supply, then it would be strongly advised to have the sewage spill cleaned out (unless of course you, and your family do not mind having some sewage in your water supply – there is the eventuality that the sewage will contaminate ground water).The main concern about sewage is with regards possible contamination of ground water and/or a water source (discharge of raw sewage into waterways and rivers is illegal in most countries the world over) by fecal coliforms (this mainly constitutes members of the bacteria family group Enterobacteriaceae, but note that only a small group of these have been implicated in causing ailments like food poisoning). Fecal coliforms include organisms like Escherichia sp. (Escherichia coli or E. coli, as it is commonly known, is the most famous), Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp, Shigella sp. etc. Other than possible ground water and/or water contamination, there are no known major health hazards from spilled sewage as you describe.If the odors from the sewage spill are offensive, you can solve the problem by using Bacteria Concepts SEPTI-SHOCK. This liquid based product can be diluted and sprayed over the affected areas. Bacteria present in the product help to speed up the degradation of the sewage and eliminate bad odors from the sewage.We encourage you to contact us to order some product to solve the problem.You will also receive detailed instructions on how to use the product to solve any problems you may be facing.Bacteria Concepts manufactures the highest quality bacterial products on the market. Each contains a scientific blend of multiple strains of naturally occurring active bacteria, which function precisely to solve a specific problem. The blend is synergistic, which means that all strains are compatible with each other and compliment each others activity. The strains are chosen to be highly resistant to disinfectants, sanitizers, and to hot water. This feature permits their use in any normal home, commercial or industrial environment without imposing undo restrictions on accepted methods or on personnel. All bacteria strains used are non-pathogenic (i.e. they do not cause disease) and thus, will not harm humans and pets.Bacteria Concepts products are non-toxic, fully biodegradable and hence, environmentally friendly.Best regards,Customer ServiceBacteria Concepts, Inc. 1400 Brook Drive Downers Grove, IL 60515-1025 U.S.A. Toll free in U.S.A.: 1-877-BCI-DRBUG (1-877-224-3728) Tel: (630) 261-0061 Fax: (630) 261-0064 Corporate e-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.bacteriaconcepts.com: Our mainlines backup a couple of times a year. During a recent episode we found out that a lot of debris, raw sewerage and puddles were under the house (raised foundation w/ dirt floor). Weve been given a very expensive estimate to clean up this mess. Does this present a health hazard for my family? Is it essential that it be done?

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