When Sewage Comes
Sanitary Sewer Systems are set in place in order to stream waste water, storm water and infiltrated ground water to the proper treatment facility. The sad reality is that sometimes these sewage facilities become blocked and cause a massive and smelly sewage buildup. If properly maintained, these buildups can be avoided, but it’s sometimes a much more complicated issue.
Here are some of the typical causes of this blockage:
• Sanitary line breaks, usually found in older homes.
• Accumulation of grease
• Blockages
• Line defects that allow groundwater or storm water to seep into the system
• Poor sanitary line design solutions
• Intentional act of clogging or vandalism
According to the CDC, exposure to damp and moldy environments can cause health problems. Mold is not something to disregard because it can lead to coughing, sneezing, allergies, itching and watery eyes. In the case of older homes that have cast iron pipes, blockages can lead to bacteria exposure and parasites. This extreme case is called a Category 3 water damage.
If this occurs, the first thing you should do is begin to document the damage in order to build a case, whether it be through photos or videos or simple written drafts. Then you should enlist a licensed public adjuster to lead you through the process of insurance claims. Most homeowners fail to recognize the extent of the damage caused, whereas public adjusters are trained to find wherever it may be hidden.
Sewage issues are dirty, smelly and can take on quite the toll. Contact a licensed public adjuster right away and jump into this process with a partner.