Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

Sewage Cleanup and Restoration

Sewage is one of the most dangerous water damage events that can happen to your home or business.  The water is grossly contaminated and may contain fungi, bacteria, and viruses, many are disease-causing.  Special training and equipment are required to safely restore your home or business.  SERVPRO of Fayetteville, Springdale South, North Washington Counties will inspect the contaminated water to determine the category of water and safely restore your home or business.

The IICRC defines water in three ways

 Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a sanitary source.  Category 1 water does not pose a substantial risk from exposure if addressed in less than 48 hours.  Common examples are a broken clean water supply line or overflowing sink.  Category 1 water, if left untreated can quickly escalate to category 2 or 3 water.

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has significant contamination that could potentially cause discomfort or sickness if ingested. Equipment discharge is a common source for category 2 water.   The discharge may contain detergents or other chemical wastes.  Examples include dishwasher/washing machine overflow, toilet overflow with no urine or feces.

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic or toxigenic substances.  Ingesting Category 3 water could cause severe illness or death. Avoid any contact with “Black Water”.  Sources for category 3 water could include flood waters, water from beyond the toilet trap, water with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Sewage Backup or Toilet Overflow? Call Us Today – (479) 419-5544

There are three major types of contaminated water. SERVPRO of Fayetteville/Springdale will inspect that contaminated water to determine the type of water and then plan the appropriate response to safely restore your home or business.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet. If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 water depending upon such factors as time, temperature, and contact with contaminants.

  • Water from a clean source like a broken water line
  • If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

This water has a significant level of contamination that could cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Sources for category 2 water may include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

  • May contain bacteria and viruses
  • Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

  • May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
  • Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Emergency Service

Sewage backup should be considered an emergency and dealt with as quickly as possible. We are the water damage restoration specialists with specific training and expertise to safely restore your home or business.