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Is there an increased risk of your property being flooded by sewage?

April 03, 2024

Introduction

According to the Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) published in 2021, flooding is identified as one of the most important climate change consequences facing the UK. Prolonged periods of heavier rainfall and rising sea levels are two by-products of climate change. These can lead to an increased risk of flooding and sewage floods. With flood risks projected to rise, it is imperative to prepare and respond effectively to all types of flooding.

Find out more about government advice on health and flooding here.

Why are we seeing more sewage floods?

Increased risk of sewage floods are a direct correlation to increased incidents of flooding. Sewage floods can occur when waste treatment systems or septic tanks overflow. This can happen both inside or outside a property. If there is a flood, there is a high possibility of contaminants affecting the local area and community. For example, this includes:

polluting water systems along with water and power supplies
harming human and animal health
contaminating land used for food production and livestock
higher danger of contracting infections or diseases
damage to homes, businesses and belongings.

There are many reasons that may contribute to sewage floods becoming more common. As previously mentioned, it could be as a result of climate change. Heavy rainfall leads to sewage plants overflowing and consequently, the waste becoming released. However, it may also be due to a lack of maintenance of pipes, septic tanks or sewage treatment systems. Therefore, if these items are not properly looked after by water companies or users, there is a growing chance that they will burst or overflow and cause sewage damage to the surrounding areas.

How to clean up after a sewage flood

Here at CPL t/a Rainbow Restoration, we offer specialist cleaning services including biohazard removal and sewage clean-ups. Our fully qualified technician team are able to clean up sewage spills of all sizes no matter where it has affected. Please do not attempt to clean up sewage spills yourself as it can be very hazardous to your health. The steps to cleaning up sewage are as follows:

Create a risk assessment to determine the risks and people affected.
Seal off the affected areas and prioritise vulnerable individuals.
Wear PPE, protective clothing and eye protection.
Determine the best method of sanitising and decontamination - scrubbing, hosing or pressure-washing.
Once areas are fully decontaminated and affected items / furnishings disposed of, specialist drying equipment is installed.
Dehumidifiers and injection drying are used to remove any lasting moisture. It is essential to install dehumidifiers as quickly as possible to reduce the chances of mould.
After monitor visits and dry moisture readings, the equipment can then be removed.

In conclusion, in order to best be prepared, it is vital to understand why flooding and sewage floods occur. This includes understanding the potential health risks.

If you are in need of assistance after a sewage spill, we are here to help. Call us on freephone 0800 030 4360 to see how we can assist you today.

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