Can a House Be Condemned Due to Sewer Tank Backup?

Health Effects

• Sewage contains bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. The health risks vary depending on how much sewage backed up into the house, what kind of germs were present, how long the sewage was in contact with house materials and how long people living in the house were exposed to the germs. The most common illnesses associated with sewage backup are gastrointestinal problems and skin infections. Gastrointestinal problems are a result of improper hand washing or contamination of food preparation surfaces. Skin infections occur from handling contaminated materials. Sewage backup can also contaminate your private drinking well and pollute nearby lakes, rivers and streams.

Contamination Testing

• Although several types of germs exist in sewage, testing is usually limited to coliform, fecal coliform, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus because these organisms are always found in human sewage waste, so their presence is a good indication that there’s been sewage contamination. Sterile swabs are used to take samples in areas thought to be contaminated, along with control samples taken from areas where no contamination has occurred. In addition, drywall and other building material and debris may be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Minimizing Damage

• You can reduce damage by removing floor drain covers as soon as a backup occurs. Seal drains with mechanical metal grip plugs to keep sewage from entering the house. Use plugs to seal toilets, bathtub drains and shower drains as well. You can purchase metal grip plugs from your local plumbing supply store. In addition, if you can see raw sewage on the ground or if wastewater enters your home, immediately stop using your septic system.

Additional Steps

• Don’t touch raw sewage. Wear rubber gloves when handling contaminated items and wash your hands when you’re through. If you’re on a municipal sewer system, you should call your local sewer department; if you have a private system, contact your local health department. Your homeowner’s insurance provider may have contracts with local clean-up companies. If not, you can contact a professional water damage restoration company.