What are the health risks associated with sewage leaks in your home?
Sewage leaks can occur in the home at any moment, sometimes without warning. The first things that spring to mind when it comes to sewage leaks is the damage and the inconvenience they cause, but with certain types of leaks, there are also health concerns to take into account.
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If you are unfortunate enough to experience a sewage leak in your home, there can be a serious hygiene risk, which makes the need for swift and effective remedial action a priority. But what exactly are the health risks associated with sewage leaks and drainage leaks?
Gas
Raw sewage emits a number of gases that can be harmful to humans if we breathe it in. The gases generated can include:
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Chlorine
- Nitrous oxide
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Sulfur dioxide
The most common gases that arise from sewage leaks are methane and hydrogen sulfide. The latter can cause a number of problems for those who come into contact with it, including sickness, disorientation and even death, if exposed to high doses of the gas. Methane, however, does not need to be leaking in large amounts to be fatal.
Chemicals
In order to keep drains clean, we many homeowners often put various chemicals down the plugholes and toilets.
This can be effective for the purpose of removing marks and drain blockages, but there can also be some hindrances in the event of a leak. If sewage pipes are damaged and they start leaking, these chemicals can leak into homes.
Pathogens
Pathogens, or pathogenic organisms are the annoying organisms that cause us to get ill. There are certain bacteria that exist within us that are harmless, but if they are ingested again after they have left the body, then they can be pathogenic, or harmful.
A sewage leak means many pathogens enter our homes, where they can come into contact with food and surfaces, meaning they can be easily contracted by us and ingested. Illnesses that can be caused by exposure to raw sewage include:
- E-coli
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- Intestinal amoebas
- Shigella
- Cholera
Explosions
The most dramatic and potentially catastrophic consequence of a sewage leak is a rare one, but it can still happen nonetheless.
As we’ve discussed in this piece, a sewage leak can expose people to a number of harmful gases, but should your sewage pipes become blocked, those gases can get trapped within the confined space of the pipe. If these gases are exposed to a spark or naked flame, they can be ignited, which can cause an explosion.
Preventing sewer line leaks
The best way to ensure that you don’t fall victim to the aforementioned risks and problems is by being proactive with your drainage maintenance.
Arranging for a CCTV survey of your drains on a regular basis means you can stay ahead of any potential issues, catching them before they worsen and fixing them before you they start causing havoc in your home.
CCTV drainage surveys allow for a thorough inspection of your drain, locating any issues, no matter where they are, allowing the drainage company to devise the best course of action.
Call EDS for Leaking Sewage, Sewage Emergencies and More
Express Drainage Surveys are a leading provider of CCTV drainage surveys for customers throughout London. Using only state of the art equipment, fully trained and qualified staff and a commitment to efficient, effective service, we offer comprehensive drain inspections for commercial and domestic properties alike.
Our services encompass many types of leaks, from drainage leaks to septic tank leakage. Get in touch with us today and we’ll be more than happy to help.
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