The Process of a Sewer Cleanup Explained

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

A sewer cleanup is a different animal from an ordinary water cleanup. That's because the water could contain a variety of substances that are harmful to humans and therefore extra caution should be used. Contaminated water sometimes holds viruses, bacteria and other microbes. Examples of this type of discharge include the following:

• Sewer backup
• Flooding from rivers and streams
• Toilet overflow
• Standing water that supports microbial growth

This type of water problem can properly be called an emergency and it is important to get professional help right away. A SERVPRO company will arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster. An experienced water mitigation franchise has the training and certifications to adequately address the situation.

The Use of PPE

The technicians involved in a sewer cleanup will use the necessary precautions to keep themselves and everyone else safe. This means blocking off access to the spill area as well as wearing gloves, eye protection and even hazard suits as conditions demand. Professional equipment and training are the keys to an effective and safe sewer cleanup. Sophisticated equipment will remove the contaminated water from the area and then powerful air dryers will eliminate excess moisture.

The Use of Approved Disinfectants

Whether the restoration team is dealing with a flooded toilet or some other source of contaminated water, the area will need to be cleaned beyond what a regular cleaning service provides. Technicians will use cleaning agents that have been recommended by leaders in the cleaning and restoration industry. This will help prevent odors and guard against mold growth. While each sewer cleanup is unique and demands specialized training and knowledge, a professional team should be able to handle any situation. This includes the restoration or replacement of damaged contents and the rebuilding of such structural items as drywall and insulation. A professional job ensures a commercial building is cleaned to the highest standards.

The Grossest Profit

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Toilets overflow with sewage from time to time due to a sewage backup, and commercial properties are just as vulnerable as a home, apartment complex, condominium, ext. That means if the main sewer line to your office building gets clogged, then your entire office will be grossly contaminated with sewage water.

If you are a business owner and have to close your office for any period of time this could be detrimental to your business. In moments like this, it is important to remember to think calmly and act quickly. Contacting your property owner is usually a priority. Next to that you need to contact SERVPRO of Texarkana to handle this type of emergency. SERVPRO of Texarkana's team is highly trained to mitigate and restore any size property loss. Also, SERVPRO operates 24/7. Isn't it relieving to know you have a SERVPRO in your community who can respond to an emergency like this? Call us today at 903-832-4400.

Fires and Carbon Monoxide

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Although we don't do very much with Carbon Monoxide, at SERVPRO of Texarkana we do handle fire cleanups which go hand in hand with CO.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a scary and dangerous gas that can be found inside your home. The scary thing about carbon dioxide is that it is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas which means it cannot be detected by the human senses.

CO is created by the incomplete combustion of fuels and when exposed, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in your body and lead to poisoning. It's not just a hazard to your health; carbon monoxide is deadly.

Why CO is Dangerous

Since we cannot see, taste or smell CO gas, it is impossible to know you are inhaling it until you begin to become ill. The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu, so you may just think you're sick with a virus rather than suffering from CO poisoning.

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) estimates that around 400 people in the US fall victim to CO poisoning and die every year. This is why it is vital that CO detectors be installed inside your home in order to protect yourself and your family from CO leaks.

Discreet, Professional Trauma Scene Cleanup Services Available In Texarkana

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

When most people think of trauma scene cleanup services, they think homicides or suicides, thanks to popular CSI television dramas. While these incidents do require this specialized cleaning service, both industrial accidents, and circumstances involving animal biohazards also fall into this category.

Trauma scenes clean up in the Texarkana area, often handle incidents where the risk of spreading diseases or infections are real. These specialists follow state and federal guidelines, as well as OSHA, CDC, EPA, and FDA regulations to disinfect potential biohazards.
 
Contacting an expertly trained trauma scene cleanup company, like SERVPRO, gives you the opportunity to avoid unnecessary risks and clean entire areas properly to prevent exposure. Whether because of loss of life, unattended or accidental death occurs on your property, or if you have potentially active airborne pathogens professional cleaning services are best to use.
 
Any incident involving bodily fluids or other tissues could lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Many viral and microbial pathogens require disinfection to eliminate risks. HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and many other viruses can exist for extended periods if handled incorrectly.
 
SERVPRO uses the proper testing equipment to identify the presence of biological contaminants  on your property both before and after services are rendered to ensure removal of all existing hazards. Our technicians also receive IICRC trauma scene remediation training to assist in acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to evaluate, clean, and decontaminate sites properly.
 
SERVPRO technicians focus on health and safety procedures, while also following best practice recommendations for handling equipment, supplies, and materials that require decontamination. All members of our team consider how each situation affects surviving family members, any occupants, or workers involved throughout the process and act with the proper amount of respect and empathy.
 
We are committed to providing you with professional trauma scene cleanup services that help families recover from these stress-filled events. Obtain access to compassionate, discreet, expertly trained personnel thoroughly prepared to handle even the toughest situations.

SERVPRO of Texarkana works hard to eliminate bloodborne pathogens, harmful chemicals, and other dangers found on your property. Call today for additional information. (903) 832-4400. 

We Are Coronavirus Cleaning Services and Biohazard Experts

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Texarkana's Professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Call the Experts

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of Texarkana is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, we can help transform these unhealthy environments back into clean, safe homes and offices. call our office 903-832-4400.

Biohazard and Sewage Emergency Tips

8/26/2019 (Permalink)

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.

What you can do until help arrives

Bio-hazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can pose a serious health risk. Sewer backups and flood water are two common bio-hazard scenarios that can affect homes and businesses. SERVPRO of Texarkana Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore this type of contamination.

Need Biohazard Cleanup? 
Call Us Today 903-832-4400

After any bio-hazard or sewage contamination in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences.
• Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other household appliances.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

24 Hour Emergency Service 903-832-4400

Bio-hazards like flood water or sewer backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO technicians are water damage restoration specialists and have specific training and expertise to safely remediate biohazard contaminants.

SERVPRO of Texarkana Has Experienced Crews to Handle Bio Recovery Issues

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Biohazard clean up

The SERVPRO of Texarkana franchise provides cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:

Sewage backups

Crime scene residues

Suicide/death accidents

Homicide cleanups

Blood cleanup

Accident cleanup

Hoarding scenes

Animal waste/remains

Chemical spills

Tear gas cleanup

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding, or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Because of this, specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company.

Our technicians are highly trained to handle any type of situation handling bio-recovery material. SERVPRO of Texarkana has preformed numerous cleanups such as these and we are very sensitive when working directly with the customers that are affected by tragic events like these.

If you should have any questions on any type of issue such as these please give us a call, we're available 24/7 (903)832-4400

How to Avert Three Common Sewage Issues

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

Sewer water can be contaminated and considered biohazardous

Many commercial buildings in the Texarkana area, may be susceptible to sewage issues. Because a blocked sewer or overflowing toilet can cause significant damage, it’s helpful to recognize specific factors that may contribute to the problem and learn how to address them. Abiding by the following guidelines can help minimize the risk of unsanitary flooding inside your facility.

1. Broken Pipes

Like most infrastructure, sewage lines can deteriorate and fail over time. While you may not be able to completely prevent pipe breaks, making conscientious landscaping decisions can help minimize the risk. 

Roots seek moisture and can easily infiltrate and damage sewer and water pipes. Because of this, it’s important to identify the location of critical infrastructure lines and plant foliage away from these areas. 

2. Blocked Lines

In addition to damaging supply lines, excessive root presence can result in a blocked sewer. Inappropriate waste disposal can also have a detrimental impact on the system. 

Paper towels, diapers and feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet. To help alleviate this concern, you should have trash bins accessible in every restroom and post signage reminding staff and visitors of appropriate waste disposal techniques. 

Grease is another potentially problematic product that can build up inside plumbing lines and cause a blockage. To help minimize obstructions, commercial kitchen staff should avoid dumping cooking oils down sinks. 

3. Overflowing Toilets

A toilet overflow is another common sewage issue. Performing routine inspections is a beneficial strategy that may allow you to identify defective toilet components before substantial leaks and water damage occur. You can also help prevent unsanitary commode seepage by encouraging proper trash disposal, promptly completing necessary repairs and using a plunger instead of drain cleaners to remedy slow drains. 

No business is immune from a blocked sewer or flooding toilet. However, making informed decisions and performing proactive measures can help minimize the risk and may spare you from a messy and potentially costly sewage cleanup.

Water from sewer system backups should be considered an emergency and dealt with as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Texarkana have the training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.

Available 24/7  (903)832-4400

Biohazard Remediation: When to Make the Call

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

A sewage backup caused biohazardous situation in this bathroom.

There are some things you can't clean up alone.

While no one likes to think of their own home as a biohazard, in extreme circumstances it may be emotionally traumatizing or physically unwise to tackle a cleaning job by yourself. In these cases, you need to consider hiring a biohazard remediation company; specialists trained to remove sources of contamination and return a home to a safe state.

Not sure why you'd ever need to make this kind of call? Here are three situations that might require a biohazard cleaner.

Animal infestation

You might discover this while doing a home renovation, or after a disaster like a fire or flood. It could be anything, such as a family of raccoons in your attic or a colony of mice living under your floorboards or in your ceiling. If enough animals are present or if they've lived in the space long enough, you may have a biohazard, which is defined as the presence of any biological substance which poses a threat to human or animal health. In this case, the animals will have deposited feces and possibly blood throughout the structure of your home, in addition to the bodies of deceased pack members. Cleaning up this kind of mess yourself puts you at risk for contracting a serious illness, such as hookworm or cryptosporidiosis.

Hoarding

As recent reality television programs delight in showing viewers, hoarding items in a home is not uncommon. If you or someone you know is a hoarder, you may need to assist in removing excess items from the home, which can be a major health hazard. Often, this is because hoarders neglect basic cleanliness in their homes, allowing sinks and toilets to become clogged and filthy. Garbage cans are never emptied, carpets are never vacuumed and food spills are never cleaned up. The result is a hazardous environment, one which you may not be able to fully clean on your own. Attempts to do so may spot-clean affected areas, but without the right products and experience you may not able to completely remediate the home.

Sewer backup

If the sewer line from your home to the municipal system backs up or overflows, you may want to call in a biohazard company. Waste matter in sewer lines -- everything from feces to urine to soiled toilet paper -- has the potential to carry disease, and when sewer water comes in contact with carpet or drywall the result is a sponge-like effect, where liquid and microorganisms are sucked up and trapped. Wading into this sewer water puts you at serious risk, and removing just the carpet or drywall may not address subfloor, framing or even foundation issues.

Need Biohazard Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today – (903) 832-4400

When the First Responders Have Left - then what?

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Before and after bioremediation

AFTER THE FIRST RESPONDERS HAVE LEFT

SERVPRO OF Texarkana CAN HELP WITH THE CLEAN-UP

After an accident, crime or tragedy has occurred, SERVPRO of Texarkana is certified to clean-up the site so that the family and friends can begin the healing process.  

Unlike standard house or business cleaning, bioremediation or biohazard cleanup is a service that requires industry expertise, specialized equipment, and appropriate certifications. Improper cleanup can raise health and safety risks, create odor issues and cause further damage to the structure and/or contents.

This is why SERVPRO of Texarkana has worked diligently to become certified through the American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA). Our bio-recovery technicians are thoroughly trained and certified to clean-up, deodorize, disinfect and remove all potentially harmful biohazards from affected areas to ensure our customers’ property is returned to a safe, livable condition.

Why is Proper Disinfection So Important?

In cases of a death or accident where blood or other bodily fluids are present, there is a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) and biohazards ranging from viruses like Hepatitis to bacteria like MRSA. Statistics from the CDC show that 1 in 24 people has either Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV; and they may not even know it. Because of these potential hazards, SERVPRO of Texarkana follows a safety-focused, science-based remediation process that protects the health and well-being of our customers, employees, and affected properties. Our cleanup protocols follow OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standards, which include practicing universal precautions and equipping our teams and anyone entering the job site with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Our goal is minimize exposure risk for all parties involved.

SERVPRO of Texarkana understands that the improper treatment of blood and bodily fluids can lead to further health and safety risks, including outbreaks, and structural damage to the property. When blood spills are simply spot cleaned and treated with a topical solution, the affected area has not been properly disinfected. At best, this cursory surface cleaning has merely suppressed the lingering bacteria; at worst, it may have missed entire sections where the blood or fluid have pooled underneath carpets or floors. This causes two issues: the likely return of unpleasant odors and the growth of additional bacterial colonies. The remediation processes SERVPRO of Texarkana follows mitigates these concerns. We verify our work using ATP Tests, which measures cell activity, including bloodborne pathogens. Only when the test registers zero RLU (registered light units) are we satisfied with the level of clean. This test adds technology, measurability, and accountability to our biohazard remediation process.