Caution: Contaminated Water

Any water damage in your facility is bad, especially when the water contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect the health of occupants and the value of your prperty. Toilet overflows, sewage backups and other black water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly messes; these biohazardous damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into your building, as well as the moisture necessary to ensure their continued growth.



Sewage damage poses serious health risks to anyone exposed to the contaminated water. The danger arises from various harmful substances, including parasites, that can cause intestinal disease. Some common risks are hepatitis A, E-coli and Salmonella. This grossly unsanitary water is often referred to as "black water." Building occupants should practice precautionary and safety measures at all times when dealing with the threat of black water.

A mop and common cleaning products may not be enough for black water intrusions. Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional is trained to safely clean and restore your buliding utilizing the following procedures:

• Identify the source/type of water


• Measure temperature and humidity for drying analysis


• Survey the extent of damage and inspect the premises


• Perform emergency water extraction


• Move and block furniture


• Provide floor service


• Inspect carpet and padding


• Apply necessary treatments including disinfectants and deodorizers


• Utilize and monitor drying equipment


• Dispose of refuse

We understand how disruptive and dangerous contaminated water can be and offer 24-horu emergency response. Under normal circumstances, a trained, uniformed restoration technician arrives onsite within four hours of loss notification to begin emergency mitigation services.



By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional can help you regain control quickly through proper drying, deodorization and protection of your facility and contents. Abiding by OSHA guidelines and all applicable health regulations, we remove moisture, sewage and contaminants by disinfecting and deodorizing as we safely clean and dry your building and restore contents. Please remember to practice extreme caution when dealing with contaminated water.

*Photo credit to: http://peakwater.org/?p=5860

Sandy Hayden