Residential Sewer System Backup Services in Tupelo, MS

Yes, you can experience negative health effects due to exposure to sewer gas, which is a mixture of toxic and nontoxic gasses like hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Sewage backup releases airborne gasses, and inhaling these gasses can cause health problems. Low concentrations of these gasses can cause fatigue, coughing, nausea, headaches, irritability, dizziness, cramping, vomiting, fever, gastroenteritis, memory and concentration problems, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged exposure or exposure to high levels of gasses can cause respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. Exposure to raw sewage can also cause health issues. Sewage contains high levels of unhealthy and dangerous bacteria and viruses that can transmit disease and cause illness, including gastrointestinal distress, skin rashes, and infection.

Call a professional immediately if you notice any early warning signs of a sewage backup. You may also need to call a water mitigation company and your homeowner's insurance company. Do not flush the toilets, and keep children and pets away from raw sewage and contaminated areas. If you need to touch anything affected by sewage, wear rubber gloves. If you think the backup was caused by a backup from your city sewer system, you should call your local municipal sewer department.

Because raw sewage is so dangerous to your health, your risk of developing an illness increases the longer the sewage remains in contact with your home’s interiors. All porous surfaces and materials must be discarded or destroyed. The space must be completely dried to reduce the risk of mold, mildew growth, and water damage. Hiring a professional remediation company gives you the best chance at a complete, safe cleanup without risking your safety or damage to your home and belongings.

If you plan on cleaning up yourself, you should hire a remediation company to provide an initial assessment for your insurance company. Wear protective gear, including eyewear, gloves, and boots when doing any cleanup. Wear goggles when hosing off items and avoid direct contact with sewage material. After cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly and protect all cuts and scrapes from bacteria. Keep these rules in mind:

• All standing water must be removed, and all solid waste must be collected and discarded.
• You can use dehumidifiers and industrial fans to speed up the drying process.
• Remove any carpeting, rugs, and vinyl wallpaper in affected areas.
• Discard contaminated carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, cardboard, cosmetics, food, carpet pads, mattresses, pillows, medicine, medical supplies, toys, stuffed animals, and unfinished furniture.
• All remaining affected areas should be washed with a detergent solution and air-dried.
• When dry, a bactericidal solution of one part bleach and nine parts water should be applied. The solution should remain in place for 15-20 minutes and be allowed to air dry.

Yes. Heavy rains and storms can overload your city’s sewer system. This causes excess water and sewage to flow backward and end up in homes.

After a sewer backup, you should call the following companies or agencies:

• Our team of professionals to find the backup's cause and repair your sewer line
• Your municipal water pollution control authority
• Your municipal department of environmental protection
• Your local health department
• A water remediation and cleanup company
• Your homeowner's insurance company