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Here’s What to Expect When Working With a Sewage Damage Cleanup Team

Sewage damage is one of the trickiest forms of damage to clean. You might be surprised at how many things could cause sewage damage. This article will explore what causes it, why it shouldn’t be ignored, its possible health effects, and what to expect from a professional team during the cleanup process. 

Sewage damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Clogged or damaged pipes: Blockages or damage to sewage pipes can cause backups and overflows, leading to sewage damage.
  • Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into sewage pipes, causing blockages and damage.
  • Heavy rain: Heavy rain can overwhelm sewage systems and cause backups and overflows.
  • Flooding: Flooding can cause sewage systems to become overwhelmed, leading to backups and overflows.
  • Malfunctioning septic systems: Malfunctioning septic systems can cause sewage backups and overflows, leading to sewage damage.
  • Aging infrastructure: Aging sewage infrastructure, like pipes and treatment plants, can become damaged or malfunction over time, leading to sewage damage.
  • Human error: Human error, such as flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet or pouring grease down the drain, can cause blockages and damage to sewage systems.
  • Natural disasters: Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes can cause damage to sewage infrastructure, leading to sewage backups and overflows.
  • Industrial accidents: Accidents in industrial settings, such as chemical spills, can cause damage to sewage systems and lead to sewage backups and overflows.
  • Municipal sewer line backups: Municipal sewer line backups can occur due to blockages or other issues in the public sewage system, causing sewage backups and overflows into homes and businesses.
  • Frozen pipes: In cold weather, pipes can freeze and burst, causing sewage backups and overflows.
  • Improperly installed plumbing: Improperly installed or maintained plumbing can lead to leaks and other problems that can cause sewage backups and overflows.
  • Building construction: Construction activity can damage or disturb sewage infrastructure, leading to sewage backups and overflows.
  • Neglected maintenance: Not properly maintaining sewage systems can lead to blockages, malfunctions, and backups that can cause sewage damage.
  • Vandalism: Vandalism of sewage systems, such as intentionally blocking pipes or damaging treatment plants, can cause sewage backups and overflows.

It’s important to clean up sewage damage immediately for several reasons:

  • Health risks: Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause serious health problems, including infections and diseases. The longer the sewage is left untreated, the higher the risk of exposure to these contaminants.
  • Property damage: Sewage damage can cause significant damage to your property, including flooring, walls, furniture, and other personal belongings. The longer the sewage is left untreated, the more extensive the damage can become.
  • Odor: Sewage can produce a strong and persistent odor that can be difficult to remove. The longer the sewage is left untreated, the more difficult it can be to eliminate the odor.
  • Structural damage: Sewage can weaken the structural integrity of your property, including the foundation, walls, and framing. The longer the sewage is left untreated, the greater the risk of structural damage.
  • Legal and financial consequences: Failure to clean up sewage damage can result in legal and financial consequences, including fines and lawsuits. Insurance companies may also deny coverage if the damage is left untreated for too long.
  • Peace of mind: Cleaning up sewage damage immediately can give you peace of mind and help you feel safe and secure in your home or business.

It is important to take immediate action to address the problem and prevent further damage and health risks related to harmful microorganisms, chemicals, and other contaminants. 

Here are some of the health risks associated with sewage damage:

  • Bacterial infections: Sewage contains various bacteria that can cause infections, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella. Exposure to these bacteria can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
  • Viral infections: Sewage may contain viruses such as hepatitis A, norovirus, and rotavirus, which can cause various illnesses.
  • Parasitic infections: Parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia can be found in sewage and cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Mold exposure: Sewage damage can also lead to mold growth, which can cause respiratory problems like coughing, wheezing, and asthma attacks.
  • Chemical exposure: Sewage may contain a variety of chemicals, including pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals, which can be harmful to human health if ingested or inhaled.
  • Foul odors: Sewage damage can produce unpleasant and potentially harmful odors that can cause headaches, nausea, and other symptoms.
  • Psychological effects: Exposure to sewage damage and the associated health risks can also cause psychological effects such as anxiety and stress.

Sewage damage can pose serious health risks and should be addressed immediately by a professional cleanup crew to ensure that the affected area is properly cleaned and disinfected and that any potential health risks are minimized.

Sewage damage cleanup can be tricky, which is why you should hire a professional. If you hire a professional to handle sewage damage cleanup, you can expect them to take the following actions:

  • Assessment: The professionals will assess the extent of the damage, identify the sewage’s source, and determine the appropriate cleanup method.
  • Safety precautions: The professionals will take appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and isolating the affected area to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Removal of standing water: The professionals will remove standing water and sewage from the affected area using specialized equipment, such as pumps and vacuums.
  • Cleaning and disinfection: The professionals will clean and disinfect the affected area using specialized cleaning agents and equipment to remove all traces of sewage and harmful contaminants.
  • Drying and dehumidification: The professionals will use specialized equipment such as fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the affected area and prevent mold growth.
  • Restoration: The professionals will repair or replace damaged materials, such as flooring, drywall, and insulation.
  • Deodorization: The professionals will use specialized equipment to remove any unpleasant odors associated with sewage damage.
  • Testing: The professionals may perform testing to ensure that the affected area has been properly cleaned and disinfected and that there is no risk of harmful contaminants.
  • Documentation: The professionals will provide documentation of the cleanup process, including before and after photos, to support insurance claims and other legal purposes.

Hiring a professional for sewage damage cleanup ensures that the affected area is properly cleaned and disinfected, minimizing health risks, and preventing further damage to the property.

Black Diamond Restoration Can Help

Black Diamond Restoration provides 24/7 sewage, water, mold, fire, smoke, and storm damage restoration to the greater Salt Lake and Utah Valley areas. Call us at 801.512.4194 to schedule your service. 

What To Do When Your Home Has Suffered From Rain Damage

Sudden rain storms can cause significant damage to your home if you don’t take care of the rain damage immediately. Rain can weaken your home’s structure, causing wood rot and mold formation. These are all frustrating, expensive, and hazardous for you and your family. No one wants a damaged home.

That’s why it’s important to understand how to respond to rain damage. The sooner you take action, the less of a damaged home you’ll have and the safer you and your family will be. 

Let’s talk about it in more detail.

Causes of Rain Damage

Rain is an essential element of life, but it can also cause significant damage to your home if it makes its way into places it shouldn’t be. Rain can damage your walls and foundation, erode the soil around your house, or flood your basement. It can seep through your roof and windows, resulting in mold growth. 

Because of how rain can devastate your home, it’s important to be aware of the causes of rain damage, so you can take preventative measures to keep rain damage outside, where it belongs. 

  • Your roof or windows are leaking. Leaking roofs and windows can be one of the most detrimental causes of rain damage because they allow a significant amount of water to accumulate in your home. If left unaddressed, standing water can weaken your home’s structural integrity, attract pests, and lead to mold growth.
  • You have broken gutters, downspouts, or siding. If your gutters are blocked or broken, water can run off your home and saturate the walls of your home. If the siding is cracked or damaged, rainwater can seep through the cracks and corrode anything it comes in contact with. This invites mold growth and rodent infestations.
  • Your HVAC system wasn’t installed properly. If your HVAC system isn’t properly sealed and insulated, water might seep through, damaging your home and the insulation protecting your home.
    If the outdoor condenser unit isn’t securely fastened to the ground or house, rainwater can collect underneath or around it, straining the unit and potentially causing flooding in adjacent areas.
  • There is excessive water in the soil around your home. If the soil around your home can’t drain properly, it can damage the structure of your foundation.
    Moisture can also seep into the cracks and crevices of your home’s exterior, leading to rot and mold growth. Finally, saturated soil can cause landslides, weakened walls, and compromised foundations from increased pressure in the soggy ground.
  • Your home needs better insulation. Without proper insulation, moisture and water vapor can seep in. This is dangerous since both can cause mold growth or rot, which leads to structural damage. Poor insulation also prevents your HVAC system from working correctly.
  • You have clogged drains or blocked air vents. Clogged drains prevent water from draining away from your home’s foundation, leading to lots of moisture accumulating and seeping into your foundation, ultimately causing erosion.
    Blocked air vents impede proper ventilation and allow moisture to accumulate inside walls instead of being released outside. This accumulation can cause structural damage and mold growth. 

Identifying Signs of Rain Damage

Identifying signs of rain damage early on can help you avoid serious structural issues in your home. There are several signs, which we’ll look at in detail below. 

  • You have discolored walls or ceilings. Brown or yellow hues point to water damage. 
  • Your floors are buckling. Buckling occurs when the wood expands after absorbing water. It pushes against the floor joists and warps the subfloor when it buckles. 
  • There’s a musty smell in your home. If your home smells musty, it could be from a slow leak or mold. 
  • There are water stains on the walls or ceilings. Leaky pipes commonly cause this issue. 
  • Your wallpaper or paint is peeling. Both are signs that there’s moisture close by. 
  • There are cracks in the walls, ceiling, or foundation. Cracks can cause structural problems.
  • You have warped windows or doors. Warping is often a sign of excessive moisture in the area, usually caused by poor insulation, infiltration from outside, or humidity levels. Warping can cause door and window frames to shrink, bow, twist, or even break apart. 
  • Your floors are bulging. Bulging floors indicate underlying structural issues that indicate excessive moisture in the area. 

If you notice any of these signs, you might have a damaged home. You’ll want to inspect the areas around your windows, doors, walls, ceilings, attic spaces, bathrooms, and basements. It’s not uncommon to find a discolored wall, buckling floor, or peeling wallpaper in musty-smelling areas. 

How to Avoid Rain Damage

It’s important to stay proactive to protect your property from the effects of heavy rain. A few simple steps can save you money in the long run. We recommend the following strategies: 

  • Regularly inspect your roof for signs of damage or wear and tear.
  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
  • Repair any broken seals around your windows or doors.
  • Install a sump pump in the lower levels of your home to collect excess water.
  • Install drainage panels or waterproofing materials on exterior walls.
  • Ensure that landscaping slopes away from your home to keep water from your foundation.

Following these steps doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never deal with rain damage, but it certainly does reduce the risk of it getting into your home. 

Contact Black Diamond Restoration Today

If you notice any signs of water damage to your home, it’s best to respond quickly. We recommend calling a professional to inspect your home, as they can identify the source of the issue, evaluate how severe the damage is, and provide advice and solutions for repairs. 

Black Diamond Restoration has decades of experience restoring homes from any kind of water or rain damage. We also remediate fire, mold, smoke, sewage, storm, and biohazard damage, making us your one-stop source for any type of disaster restoration. 
Call us at 801.512.4194, or visit our website to schedule your appointment today. Let Black Diamond Restoration restore your home today.

Is It Safe to Stay In a House With Smoke Damage?

Smoke damage is a serious health hazard that accompanies most fires and results from soot and smoke settling on objects in your home. 

But when you read “serious health hazard,” does that mean it’s unsafe to stay in a house with smoke damage? Or can you stay in your home while it’s being restored? And if temporary housing is necessary, for how long?

We’re answering these questions and more in today’s blog because you need to know how dangerous smoke damage is and how to handle it. Keep reading to learn how to respond to your home’s smoke damage. 

What Is Smoke Damage?

As a homeowner or business owner, it’s essential to understand the dangers of smoke damage since it can make you sick and harm the structure of your home or building.

It Can Make You Sick

Smoke damage refers to the damage that smoke from a fire causes. When a fire starts, smoke and soot can spread throughout the affected area, leaving behind residue that can be difficult to remove and cause health issues for residents. Breathing in smoke and soot particles from burning materials can make you very sick. 

It Can Damage Structures

Smoke residue can cause electrical and structural damage to a building. Smoke can corrode metal surfaces, deteriorate plastics, and discolor walls and ceilings. In some cases, smoke particles may also contain hazardous compounds that can react with other materials to form carcinogenic smoke residues.

The best way to protect yourself from the health risks associated with smoke damage is by avoiding contact with smoke residue until it has been properly remediated and removed. 

Is It Safe to Stay in My Home?

Smoke damage can be a serious danger to any home. It can cause severe health problems and costly repairs if left unchecked. Smoke damage can occur after a fire, after long-term smoking in the house, or due to faulty ventilation systems.

The most dangerous smoke damage effects come from particulate matter (PM) chemicals. PM are microscopic particles in the air that you can inhale and that your skin can absorb.
PM can contain carcinogens, heavy metals, and other harmful toxins. Long-term exposure to these toxins can cause asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory issues.

While PM is a major concern associated with smoke damage, it isn’t the only one. The soot residue left behind on walls and furniture can also damage your belongings. Soot is corrosive and acidic, damaging surfaces and leading to costly repairs if not taken care of promptly.

For these reasons, staying in a house with smoke damage for an extended period is unsafe until repairs are completed and certified as safe by an expert team. 

When Can I Return to My Home?

When restoration experts come to your home to restore it from smoke damage, they can give you a good idea of how long it will be before you can live in your home again. Generally speaking, you can move back about 24 to 48 hours after restoration is complete, providing enough time for the cleaning chemicals to dissipate. 

Prevent Smoke Damage in Your Home

Install Smoke Detectors in Your Home

Smoke detectors alert you to evacuate your home and call 911 when there’s a fire before it can cause significant damage to your home. The faster you can clean up smoke damage, the better off you’ll be, which is why smoke detectors are so essential. 

You’ll want to install smoke detectors in key areas of your home, including near kitchens, bedrooms, and hallways, where you can hear them go off. It’s also important to regularly test your smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly.

Have Your Home Inspected for Safety 

Have you considered having your home regularly inspected for safety? A safety inspection can identify potential hazards like outdated electrical wiring, overloaded outlets, and improperly stored flammable materials. Catching these errors right away can mitigate future damage.

During a home inspection, an expert will examine your smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning properly and determine if an upgrade is needed. It’s crucial to upgrade your smoke detectors right away if they’re out of date or malfunctioning. If they’re battery-operated, make sure the batteries are working properly. 

Having your home inspected is a proactive step you can take to keep your family and home safe from the dangers of smoke damage. It will also give you peace of mind, knowing that you’re taking all the necessary steps to keep your family safe. 

Respond Immediately to a Smoke Alarm

It’s critical to respond to a smoke alarm immediately. As soon as you hear it go off, you should evacuate your home and call 911. If a fire is blazing in your home, don’t try to put it out on your own. 

Instead, wait for the fire department to come to your home. You won’t want to re-enter your home until the fire department has arrived, extinguished the fire, and declared it safe to enter.

Talk to your family about responding to a smoke alarm. Make sure everyone knows to evacuate your home immediately and to call emergency services once they have. It can be tempting to return to your home for prized possessions that you don’t want to lose, but your safety is more important. 

Call Black Diamond Restoration Today

Smoke damage is a serious hazard to your home and your health, which is why it’s best left to the professionals. Black Diamond Restoration has the experts you’re looking for. If your home or business has suffered from smoke damage, we’re here to restore it to its pre-loss condition. 

Black Diamond Restoration has decades of experience mitigating smoke and fire damage, along with water, mold, storm, and sewage damage. No matter what problem you’re facing, we’re here for you! Call us at 801.512.4194 to schedule your emergency service. 

Smoke Damage Removal: Here Is Your Timeline

Smoke damage in your home can be an overwhelming experience because of how long it can take to get through the difficult cleaning process. But restoring your home doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. 

With the right guidance from smoke damage restoration experts, you can efficiently and effectively restore your home. Keep reading to learn how long the smoke restoration process will take and what steps you can take to speed up the process.

Preparing for Smoke Damage Restoration

Safety Precautions

Safety should be your top priority as you prepare for smoke damage removal. Before you even step foot into the damaged area, your first step should be to turn off the utilities and ensure the space is adequately ventilated. You should also wear gloves, eye protection, and a face mask to protect yourself from toxic substances.
It’s a good idea to cover any unaffected areas with plastic sheeting to prevent the smoke damage from getting to anything else. Smoke damage removal is a complex and potentially dangerous process, so proceeding with caution and seeking professional help are the best steps you can take. 

Turning Off Utilities

Turning off your electricity, gas, and water will prevent further damage to the affected area, as they can spread smoke damage around. If you aren’t sure what’s connected to what and don’t want to mess anything up, have a professional turn off your utilities for you. A licensed electrician or plumber will know how to do this. 

Protecting Unaffected Areas

Containing the smoke damage and preventing it from spreading further will save you time and money. 

Cover your flooring, furniture, and household surfaces with plastic sheeting or tarps to protect undamaged areas. Take off your shoes, or wear bootie coverings on your shoes to prevent tracked-in dirt and dust from spreading. 

Finally, close off air vents and ducts that lead to undamaged areas to prevent the smoke from traveling through the vents and ducts to other parts of your home. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

We recommend contacting your insurance company immediately after discovering smoke damage so that you can begin the claims process and get the coverage you need for the damage to your property. 

Provide them with as much detail as possible, and keep a record of your communications. Take lots of photos and videos of the damage, including up close and far-away shots that capture all the damage.

An adjuster from your insurance company will come to your home, assess the damage, and recommend a professional restoration company that can restore your home from the smoke damage. 

Assessing the Damage

Visual Inspection

You should start by visually assessing the extent of the smoke damage. Keep in mind that the smoke damage could penetrate beyond what you can see, but a visual inspection will help you know where to start.
Look for signs of smoke residue, such as discoloration, soot build-up, or charred surfaces. Check inside walls and cabinets since these areas could be hiding damage. 

Testing for Toxic Substances

Smoke damage can easily contain toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and heavy metals, both of which can make you sick if you touch them or breathe them in. 

We recommend hiring a professional restoration company for these tests since they have the personal protective equipment and skills to test the area without causing more harm to your home or your family. 

The results of these tests will guide the cleanup process, so they’re critical. 

Determining the Extent of the Damage

Determining the extent of the damage involves visible damage and the impact of the smoke residue, which you can determine by examining your walls, insulation, and ductwork. Left unchecked, these can cause persistent odor and air quality problems.

Cleanup and Removing Smoke Residue

Ventilate the Affected Area

Open your windows and doors, use fans to circulate the air, and run dehumidifiers and air purifiers to remove smoke odor and particles from the air. Proper ventilation can reduce smoke residue concentration and toxic substances in the air, making the area safer for you and your family.
Good ventilation can also speed up the drying process and reduce mold and secondary damage. Of course, it’s important to consider weather conditions and ensure your home is secured from intruders. 

Clean the Area

Dry cleaning involves specialized cleaning products and equipment to remove smoke damage from surfaces like walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Non-porous surfaces, like glass and metal, can be wiped down with a damp cloth and cleaning solution.

For porous surfaces like drywall and wood, you’ll need a combination of cleaning solutions and specialized equipment like ozone generations and thermal foggers. In some cases, you might need to replace insulation or flooring if they have been significantly damaged. 

Dealing With Smoke Odors

Odor Absorbers and Neutralizers

Odor absorbers and neutralizers work by trapping and neutralizing the molecules responsible for the odor. Sprays, plug-in air fresheners, and specialized odor-eliminating products can all be very effective.

An ozone generator can also neutralize odor by producing ozone, a naturally-occurring molecule that binds itself to odor-causing particles, neutralizing them. 

For both, choosing products that tackle the smoke odor you’re dealing with is important. 

Cleaning and Sealing HVAC Systems

Because smoke residue can penetrate deep into your HVAC system and cause ongoing odor and air-quality issues, you’ll want to clean and seal your HVAC system, specifically the ductwork, vents, and other components.

Cleaning and sealing your HVAC system involves HEPA-filtered vacuums and sealing agents to remove smoke residue and prevent it from spreading. It might also be necessary to replace affected components.

Replacing Filters and Ducts

It’s often necessary to replace filters and ducts to remove smoke residue from your home’s HVAC system effectively. Choosing high-quality filters and ducts to trap smoke particles and neutralize odors is important. 

Call Black Diamond Restoration Today for Your Smoke Damage Restoration

Smoke damage restoration can be tough, taking anywhere from hours to days to weeks or even months, but Black Diamond Restoration is here to get the job done. 
We have decades of experience and the expertise you need to get your home to pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. Don’t wait – call us before the damage gets any worse. Call us at 801.512.4194 for 24/7 service, or contact us for more information.

5 Reasons Why You Should Leave Mold Remediation to the Professionals

Every year, millions of people find mold in their homes. Everyone’s first instinct is to get it out now, but not everyone knows how to, nor do they necessarily want to. After all, mold removal is dangerous, and you don’t want to touch the mold, while, at the same time, you want to scrub at it until it’s gone.

The best advice we can give you is to hire a mold remediation company to restore your home. This recommendation comes from decades of experience in mold removal and seeing what it can do. Mold cleaning is truly best left to experts, and there are reasons for it. 

In today’s blog, we’re discussing five reasons why you should leave mold remediation to the professionals and what to expect when they arrive at your home to clean up. Keep reading to learn more.

5 Reasons to Leave Mold Remediation to the Professionals

  1. Professionals will accurately evaluate the mold. Seeing and removing a spot from your home is not enough; the mold might still come back if you haven’t found the source. If you can find and kill the source of the mold, it’s far less likely to come back. 

But that can be tricky because mold doesn’t always look like mold at first glance. That, or it can be so small that it’s hard to spot. Professional mold remediation experts are trained to spot mold wherever it might be hiding. You’ll get an accurate evaluation that includes the mold source and all the spots where it has spread.

  1. Professionals will thoroughly treat the mold. Most people have bleach or a mold killer on hand for mold cleaning, but that isn’t enough to permanently remove and keep mold away.
    Usually, more extensive treatments are required, including sealing off the mold, controlling the humidity, removing the mold, and cleaning up. Scrubbing away at a spot of mold might temporarily solve the problem, but thorough treatment will keep it away.
  2. Professionals can prevent future problems from happening. As we’ve mentioned, mold can come back if it’s not properly treated. The most critical aspects are correctly treating the mold, controlling the humidity and moisture, and using the proper equipment and products to discourage mold spores from growing.
    We can’t emphasize the humidity and moisture parts enough. It’s why mold so commonly grows in bathrooms. Keeping humidity and moisture levels where they need to be will significantly reduce the risk of mold returning. Thankfully, mold remediation specialists have expert knowledge and tools to get both under control.
  3. Professionals have insider knowledge. Typing questions into your search engine can only offer you so much. No matter how many tips you read online from mold remediation experts, there will always be knowledge they don’t give away for free.
    However, they will share some of that knowledge with you when they remove mold from your home because it’s a service you’re paying for. Those tips will often include how to ventilate your home properly and how to prevent mold from coming back.
  4. Professionals will ultimately save you time and money. As many people often discover, DIY projects are only sometimes cheaper. When you tally up the list of supplies and the hours of labor you put in, you might be surprised to see that it actually costs more to fix it yourself than it does to hire a professional. Plus, when you hire a professional, you get that insider knowledge we mentioned earlier. 

What to Expect When the Professionals Arrive

When a mold remediation expert visits your home, you can expect them to go through a process that covers all the bases, ensuring the mold won’t come back. You’re not just paying for the mold remediation; you’re purchasing peace of mind for the future. You can expect the following: 

  • The mold remediation specialist will inspect the affected area and assess the extent of the mold damage. 
  • Humidity and moisture play a major role in mold growth, so the experts will conduct air and surface tests to determine what type of mold has invaded your home and how serious it is.
  • Isolating the moldy area will prevent it from spreading to other parts of your home. Known as a containment area, the mold experts will remove the mold in that area and control the atmosphere to prevent further mold growth.
  • While in that containment area, the experts will follow industry-standard procedures that safely and effectively remove the mold and any other contaminants in the area.
  • Finally, the expert will conduct air and surface tests to ensure the mold is gone. They will also provide you with tips to keep it from coming back.

Mold removal is a complex and potentially hazardous process that’s best left to the experts. Professional mold remediation services ensure the job is done correctly while protecting your family’s health and safety. Don’t take any chances with mold; if you suspect a problem, contact a professional mold restoration expert right away.

Leaving mold remediation to the experts will give you peace of mind knowing your home is safe and healthy. Professional mold remediation companies have the tools, training, and expertise to effectively remove mold and prevent its recurrence. Protect your family and your property by relying on the professionals for mold remediation. 

Call Black Diamond Restoration Today

Black Diamond Restoration is a leader in the mold remediation industry. We offer comprehensive, professional services to homeowners and businesses alike. We use state-of-the-art equipment, and our trained technicians are committed to providing you with excellent customer service.

Black Diamond Restoration is your trusted source for mold cleaning and remediation. We’re fast, effective, and reliable in everything we do. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’ve spotted or suspect mold growing in your home.
Call us at 801.512.4194, or visit our website to learn more about us. We’re located in Murray, Utah, and serve the Salt Lake and Utah valley areas. Let Black Diamond Restoration restore your home today. 

The Sewage Restoration Process Explained

Sewage restoration is the process of cleaning up sewer damage, which we deal with whenever there’s a leak, backup, or burst pipe involving wastewater.
Dealing with a sewage backup is messy since this water is filled with contaminants, ranging from human waste to chemicals to food waste. Toilets, tubs, sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, and showers are usually where sewage backups happen.

When sewage restoration is required, specific steps must be taken to ensure that you and your family are kept safe while the mess is being cleaned up. Today’s blog covers the sewage restoration process, so you know exactly what to expect. 

Is it Sewer or Septic Backup?

The first question to ask is whether the backup is sewer or septic. It will be one or the other. If your system is sewer, you’ll need to call your local sewer department, which will have guidelines for pumping out the wastewater. 

Prepare the Area for Cleaning

  1. Keep children, the elderly, and pets away from the sewage.
  2. Take photos of all the damage. While this might not seem very important at the moment, it’s essential for insurance claims, which you might need to do later.
  3. Before cleaning, you’ll need to turn off your utilities if the spill covers a large area. Call your utility company for this step, and ensure they turn off the electric, gas, and water connected to your home. 

If the leak is small, you can turn off your power and water supply on your own, provided they aren’t submerged in the sewage wastewater. You’ll want to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) from this point on. 

  1. Open all the windows in the area for proper ventilation.
  2. Remove items from the area that haven’t been contaminated.
  3. Close any doors surrounding the area to prevent debris or other contaminants from spreading to other parts of your home.
  4. Disinfect any standing water with chlorine to prevent any bacteria in the water from spreading.

Clean With Caution

Once the area has been prepped for cleaning, you’ll be ready to start. Be sure to wear your PPE, no matter how minor the cleanup may seem. Your PPE should include rubber gloves, rubber boots, protective eyewear, and a face mask. You’ll want to ensure that your skin is completely covered, as any contact with sewer water could make you sick. 

Also, keep in mind that only small sewage spills are ok to clean on your own. Larger spills necessitate professional help. 

  1. Start with removing the sewage water. A wet-dry vacuum with the right filter will work on small spills. For larger spills, you’ll use a pump.
  2. Once the water is removed, it’s time to tackle dirt, soil, and debris. Shovel them into strong plastic bags and dispose of them immediately. If you can’t get to the trash can immediately, place the bags on concrete or tile that you can easily clean later.
  3. Immediately throw out anything that’s gotten wet, whether it’s damp or soaked through. You’ll want to replace all of these items since you could get sick from them.
  4. Get rid of wet or saturated carpeting, flooring, insulation, wall paneling, and baseboards.
  5. Wash every wall, floor, and surface that the sewage water came into contact with. You’ll want to use hot water and strong disinfectants to kill the bacteria, followed by deep cleaning to catch anything that escapes the first round of cleaning. When cleaning your floors, you’ll want to use one part chlorine bleach and four parts water.
  6. Air dry the area after cleanup by keeping windows open or using dehumidifiers. This area must be completely dried out within 48 hours of the sewage water, or you risk mold, a separate issue, growing in your home.
  7. Speaking of mold, you’ll want to thoroughly search your home for signs of mold immediately after cleaning up and in the following days. Search everywhere, not just where the sewage water was since mold can grow anywhere in your home due to sewer damage.
    Small areas can be taken care of with a mold cleaner. However, you’ll want to contact a mold restoration company if the moldy area covers a large area or is in multiple places in your home.
  8. Throw out consumable goods like food or drink. Toss porous materials like rugs, curtains, upholstery, and clothing.
  9. If something valuable or extremely sentimental is damaged, have it professionally cleaned. The same goes for upholstered furniture and carpets that the sewage barely touched.
  10. When washing your clothes, add a cup of chlorine bleach to the water to kill any germs that might still be in the water.
  11. Call professionals to check on any electrical or plumbing systems that were affected. 

When to Call for Professional Help

While following the steps outlined above will take care of most minor sewer damage incidents, there are instances where you need to bring in professional help. Restoration companies are experts at completely and thoroughly cleaning up sewer damage, so your home is as good as new. They also come equipped with their own PPE.

Signs that you need to call a professional include:

  • A spill that spans multiple rooms in your home.
  • A spill that you didn’t catch right away that’s been present in your home for over 24 hours.
  • The spill came from a sewer or septic tank backup.
  • A spill that touched your home’s A/C system.
  • If you have any immunocompromised members of your family.

Call the Experts at Black Diamond Restoration

If you have sewer damage in your home, whether minor or major, Black Diamond Restoration is here to restore your home to pre-loss condition with sewage restoration. We have extensive experience in sewer, mold, water, fire, storm, and biohazard damage, so you won’t need multiple companies to come to your home for repairs. 

Call us at 801.512.4194 to schedule your service, or visit our website to learn more about us. We’ll get you back to your everyday life before you know it. 

9 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe From Sewage Damage

Sewage backups are costly and dangerous, making your wallet smaller and putting your health at risk. They’re also hazardous to clean up, often requiring professional help. 

The best way to handle sewage is by preventing it from ever getting into your home. Today’s blog is all about sewage damage and how to keep your home safe from it. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know. 

What Is A Sewer Back Up?

If subsurface water comes up through your drain or sewer system, you’re dealing with a sewage backup. Sewage backup usually comes up in your toilet, sink, or shower. 

Several things can cause sewage backups, including pipe deterioration, tree roots getting into the line, or clogging lines with sanitary products or cooking products like fat, grease, or oil. Improperly diverting downspouts, stormwater, or groundwater into your sewage system can also cause backups. 

Not all sewage system backups are going to be your fault, though. While you are responsible for the sewage lines on your property, they are connected to the main sewer line that is not on your property. 

The main sewer line is your city’s responsibility. Sewage backups can come up through these lines and into yours — this should be a rare occurrence if it ever happens, though. 

The vast majority of the time, following the steps outlined below will keep your home safe from sewage backups. 

9 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe From Sewage Damage

  1. Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. It can be tempting to flush sanitary or cleaning products, but these can clog your toilet and your sewage line. Always toss sanitary and cleaning products in the trash, where they can’t clog anything.
  2. Keep sewer lines away from tree roots. As beautiful as trees are on your property, you’ll want to keep them far away from tree roots.
    Now, we’re not talking about the branches providing shade for your yard. The tree roots could cause problems if they get into your sewer line. While roots are good for the soil in the ground, they need to stay out of your sewer line since they can grow into shapes that will clog your system and cause backups.
  3. Have a professional install an exterior cleanout system. This will ensure any mess from cleaning the sewer system will happen outside, away from your home. It’s easier to clean up an outdoor mess than an indoor one.
    It’s best to have a professional install one instead of installing it yourself because it can be tricky. You should be able to access the cleanout on the ground’s surface. You should install it in a valve box to keep it safe.
    You need two cleanouts: one near the base of the stack and one where the building drain and sewer connect. The cleanout should be made with a “Y” branch fitting and be at least two inches long above the floor. The only exception is if you need a flush cover in a high-traffic area.
  4. Don’t put fat, grease, or oil down your drain. When you’re cooking, pouring things like fat, grease, or oil down the drain is easy. However, these don’t break down and can clog your sewage lines, causing slow drainage and, eventually, sewage backup.
  5. Line or replace old pipes. As your pipes get older, they get worn down. It’s no wonder, with water and sewage constantly flowing through them. To keep your pipes in tip-top shape, you’ll want to line them. A professional plumber or restoration company can advise when it’s best to line your pipes.
    And when they get old enough, you should replace them altogether. It’s an upfront investment, but it will pay dividends in the long run to prevent you from dealing with sewage backup.
  6. Install a sewer backup valve. This device enables water from your toilets, sinks, and tubs to flow to your home’s primary sewer system. If water flows backward instead of forwards, the flap on the valve will close so that water can’t get into your home.
  7. Don’t connect downspouts, french drains, sump pumps, or flood control systems to your sanitary sewer line. Reserve your sanitary sewer line for transporting your sewage for disposal. Connecting other lines to your sanitary sewer line provides another way for a backup to happen. Preventing this all together is your best bet. 
  1. Have your plumbing and sewer lines professionally inspected. Professional plumbers and sewage damage restoration experts can spot things untrained eyes won’t see, and you can remedy many problems before they cause significant issues. It’s a good idea to have a professional inspection at least once a year.
    Once the professionals inspect your sewage system, they can tell you how often you should check it. They can also answer any other questions you might have.
  2. Elevate your house drain. We especially recommend this step if your house drain is in your unfinished basement. The downside to this solution is that your house drain won’t be hidden from view, and you might also need to raise parts of the outside main house sewer. Still, it’s an effective option to prevent sewage damage in your home. 

Call Black Diamond Restoration Today

With over 20 years of experience, Black Diamond Restoration is the expert you need to restore your home from sewage damage, including sewage backups. Sewage damage restoration is often a biohazard that requires a careful clean-up to keep it from spreading to other parts of your home or making you and your family sick. 

Black Diamond Restoration provides 24/7 sewage, water, mold, fire, smoke, and storm damage restoration to the greater Salt Lake and Utah Valley areas. Call us at 801.512.4194 to schedule your service, or visit our website to learn more about us. 

My House Has Wind Damage. What Do I Do?

Wind damage to a house can be a serious issue. It’s important to take prompt action to address it before other issues arise and create more problems for you and your family. 

There are four primary steps to take after your house experiences wind damage: assess the damage, file an insurance claim, repair the damages, and prevent future damage. Here’s what you need to know about each essential step. 

Assess the Damage

The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. If the damage is minor, such as a few shingles blown off the roof or a broken window, you may be able to handle the repairs yourself. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a damaged roof or structural damage to the house, it’s important to call in a professional.

What does wind damage look like?

Wind damage can manifest in various ways, depending on the severity of the wind and the type of structure being affected. Some common signs of wind damage include:

  • Missing or damaged shingles on a roof
  • Cracked or broken tiles on a roof
  • Damaged or missing flashing on a roof
  • Bent or damaged gutters
  • Cracked or broken windows
  • Doors that are difficult to open or close
  • Damage to siding, such as dents or missing sections
  • Damage to fence or deck
  • Damage to trees and branches
  • Damage to power lines, which can lead to power outages
  • Structural damage to the house, such as a cracked foundation or a shift in the framing

It’s important to note that some wind damage may not be immediately visible, and an inspection by a professional may be necessary to identify all damage.

File an Insurance Claim

Once you’ve assessed the damage, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to report the loss. Be sure to take photos of the damage before making any repairs, as you will need these for your insurance claim. Your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine the extent of coverage.

Why is filing an insurance claim important?

Filing an insurance claim is important because it allows you to recover the costs of repairs and other expenses related to wind damage to your house. Without filing an insurance claim, you would be responsible for paying for these costs out of your pocket.

When you file an insurance claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the extent of coverage. The adjuster will examine the damage and consider the cost of repairs and any other expenses you may have incurred, such as temporary housing if you cannot live in your home while repairs are being made.

Once the adjuster has determined the extent of coverage, your insurance company will provide you with the funds necessary to make repairs and cover other expenses. These funds can help alleviate the financial burden of dealing with wind damage, allowing you to focus on restoring your home.

It is also important to file a claim because it will document the damage for future reference in case you need to file another claim. Additionally, this will help the insurance company track the claims and natural occurrences, improve their services, and offer better coverage for future clients.

Repair the Damage

If the damage is minor, you may be able to make the repairs yourself. Going back to our previous example, if shingles have been blown off the roof, you can replace them with new ones. If a window is broken, you can replace it with a new one. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a damaged roof or structural damage to the house, it’s important to call in a professional so that you don’t take on a project beyond your skills.

When hiring a contractor to make repairs, it’s important to choose one that is licensed and insured. Ask for references and check them, and ensure the contractor has experience in making repairs similar to those you need. Get a written estimate of the work to be done and the cost.

Prevent Future Damage

In addition to repairing the damage, it’s also important to take steps to prevent wind damage in the future. There are several steps you can take to prevent future wind damage to your house:

  • Regularly inspect and maintain your roof: check for missing or damaged shingles and ensure the flashing is securely in place. Have a professional inspect your roof annually or more frequently if you live in an area prone to high winds.
  • Trim trees and shrubs: remove dead or damaged branches that could fall on your house during a windstorm, and trim back any trees or shrubs that are close to your home.
  • Secure loose items: make sure to secure loose items such as lawn furniture, trash cans, and toys that could be blown around during a windstorm and cause damage.
  • Install storm shutters: storm shutters can protect windows from flying debris and prevent broken windows, allowing wind and water into your home.
  • Reinforce the structure of your home: make sure your home’s structure is strong enough to withstand high winds — this may include reinforcing walls and roofs and installing structural supports.
  • Invest in wind-resistant building materials: Consider using impact-resistant windows and doors and other wind-resistant building materials such as reinforced siding or steel framing.
  • Consider getting a wind-mitigation inspection: A wind-mitigation inspector can evaluate your home and recommend upgrades to make it more wind-resistant.

Taking these steps can help protect your home from future wind damage and minimize the risk of damage and potential injuries to you and your family. Keep in mind that even if you take all the preventive measures, you can’t entirely avoid natural occurrences, so it’s also important to have the right insurance coverage and know how to file a claim if damage happens.

Black Diamond Restoration Can Help

Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration is ready and able to serve all your restoration needs, no matter the time of day. Based out of Murray, Utah, we proudly serve Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. 

Our licensed and certified professionals will help you through the restoration process, restoring your home or commercial space to exacting standards. With over twenty years of Disaster Restoration experience, we do it all, and we do it right! Contact us today at (801) 512-4194.

6 Reasons You Should Avoid DIY Sewage Damage Repairs

Sewer damage is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Unfortunately, it’s not something you can wait days to repair. After all, it can cause severe damage to your home and health issues for you and your family. 

However simple as it might seem, sewer damage isn’t a DIY project to tackle on your own. While DIY projects are great for learning new skills and saving money, sewer damage isn’t the place to start. It requires extensive knowledge, work permits, and code regulations that have serious consequences when not properly followed. 

Today’s blog explains six reasons why you should call professionals instead of trying to repair sewer damage on your own. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

6 Reasons to Avoid DIY Sewage Damage Repairs

1. You probably don’t have the experience of a plumber. Some DIY projects or repairs don’t require much knowledge or experience. But if a professional needs a license to perform the repair you’re attempting, it’s not something you should do on your own. 

Why?

Generally speaking, when a license is required, the work must be done a certain way to be safe and not cause harm to others. For example, an electrician needs a license for work since working with electricity is hazardous and could result in severe injury or death if electrical work isn’t done correctly. 

The same is true for sewage damage repairs. Sewage damage involves underground utility lines that could cause catastrophic harm if damaged. A professional plumber knows how to work safely around underground utility lines and every other aspect of plumbing. 

So, if you have sewage damage that needs repair, call a plumber or sewage restoration company. 

2. You likely don’t have enough equipment. Not only does sewage damage require experience, but it also requires equipment you like don’t have nor have access to. 

Plumbers don’t buy their equipment at the Home Depot or Lowe’s. Instead, they get their tools from suppliers who specialize in plumbing. While you could likely find a plumbing supplier’s website online, you probably need a plumber’s license to make a purchase. 

That license requirement prevents inexperienced individuals from hurting themselves or damaging their sewage system by misusing a tool. 

3. Your attempt at repairs might cause more damage. There’s no replacement for experience and equipment. Combined, it’s guaranteed to bring much more success to your project. 

Without those tools and knowledge, a lot could go wrong. For example, it’s not uncommon for a “fixed” sewage repair to create even more significant problems down the road from not being properly repaired. And, as an amateur, you wouldn’t know that it wasn’t correctly prepared until bigger problems surface.

Hiring a professional means having their experience and their warranty or insurance. Should something go wrong with the repairs, they’ll fix it for free. 

4. There are safety concerns. A lot can come from a sewage line: methane gas, salmonella, e.coli, giardia… If you attempt a DIY repair, you could expose yourself to these harmful chemicals, gasses, and other substances.

Hitting a natural gas line could cause severe damage to you, your property, or your neighbor’s property, especially if there’s an explosion or a fire. Another area of concern would be the earth collapsing from the walls around the area where you’re digging. 

These concerns are serious enough to leave sewage damage repairs to the professionals. 

5. DIY repairs might cost more. While you might not want to spend the money hiring a professional, it might be your best option. After purchasing everything you need for your DIY repair, all the tools and equipment cost as much, if not more, as hiring a professional. 

Plus, where would you store the equipment once you’re done with it? Returning it wouldn’t be an option, and you might never use it again. 

On the flip side, regardless of how much the equipment costs, it will cost astronomically more if you call the professionals to fix what went wrong with your DIY repair.

6. Your repairs might need to meet code requirements. To conduct your own repairs, you need a permit. Because of the dangerous nature of sewage repairs, there are code requirements that sewer lines must meet. Permits and codes are complicated, to put it mildly. 

A DIY repair might not meet those requirements, especially if you aren’t aware of them or don’t understand the requirements that come with a permit. Plus, there are sewer jurisdictions with individual rules that must be followed. 

You must understand those rules to get the permit. While reading online articles can help you understand the basics of repairing your sewer line, it’s not enough to be able to make your own repairs. 

When you hire a professional to repair your sewer, you can rest assured that your repairs will be done with a permit, according to local codes and regulations. You’re not just paying for the sewage repair. You’re getting the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job will be done right the first time. 

These are the six most important reasons to avoid DIY sewage damage repairs. Trust us; keep the DIY projects to things that don’t require permits. Leave the dangerous work of sewage damage repairs to the professionals. 

Trust Black Diamond Restoration for Sewage Damage Repairs

The professionals at Black Diamond Restoration have decades of experience with sewage damage repairs. No matter how large or small the repair is, you can trust our 24/7 service to get your sewer repaired and back in service in no time. Not only that, but we’ll clean up after the repair, keeping germs and unsanitary conditions out of your home.

We’re located in Murray, Utah, and serve the greater Salt Lake and Utah Valley areas. Call us at 801.512.4194, or visit our website to learn more about us. Let Black Diamond Restoration restore your home from sewage damage so you can get back to everyday life. 

Does Renters Insurance Cover Biohazard Cleanup? And Other Biohazard FAQs

If you are a tenant renting a property, you might want to know if your renter’s insurance covers biohazard cleanup.

Between toilet backups and broken sewer pipes and accidents, crime, and death, a lot of hazardous messes that can be harmful to humans and animals can occur. The costs of replacing and repairing structural damages and personal belongings, let alone cleaning, can quickly escalate and become quite an expense. 

And, if you don’t have the right insurance coverage, you might be left responsible for footing the bill — an expense that most individuals aren’t ready to cover. That’s where your renter’s insurance comes in, and the property management company’s or landlord’s property insurance (more on that later).

Learn more about biohazard messes and renter’s insurance below.

What is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance, also called tenant’s insurance, is usually purchased to cover the costs of replacing damaged personal items and belongings and limit personal liability when renting a property. It is very similar to homeowners insurance but is meant for those renting properties. 

Many property management copies and landlords require their tenants to have insurance before they let them move in. Even if they don’t require it, tenant’s insurance can be one of the best investments a renter makes. You never know when damage or disaster (in any form) will hit.

It’s important to check the specifics of your coverage; however, most policies typically cover these three areas:

  • Personal Belongings and Property — Renters insurance can be used to cover the costs of replacing personal items like furniture, clothing, electronics, books, etc., up to the policy limits (depending on your specific policy, coverage might extend to items stolen from your car).
  • Loss of Use Expenses — If the property you are renting is damaged and deemed unlivable, renter insurance can cover your additional costs above normal living expenses for a time, such as a hotel room or other living accommodations.
  • Liability — Tenants insurance can cover the cost up to the coverage limit to repair property you damage or a visitor’s medical bills if you are found at fault for their injury.

What is Considered a Biohazard Cleanup?

Cleaning up biohazards involves cleaning, deodorizing, sanitizing, and disinfecting any areas containing highly-contaminated water or traumas. Dealing with biohazard messes typically means handling body contaminants and water contamination.

The Price of Cleaning Biohazards

The cost of biohazard cleanup can vary significantly from one situation to the next, depending on the type of mess, the time between the unfortunate event and when the cleaning process started, the extent of the damage, and difficulty locating and accessing the damaged area.

Who is Responsible for Cleaning a Biohazard?

It’s a common misconception that a government organization, such as a police agency, should handle crime scene cleaning. However, the responsibility falls on the property owner’s shoulders.

But what happens when the event happens at a rental property? Does the responsibility fall on the landlord or the tenants? Well, it depends on the circumstances leading up to the event. In most cases, the responsibility of cleaning up biohazards falls on the property owner. However, there are some circumstances that the renter would be held responsible.

For example, if the biohazardous mess is the result of a sewage backup because it is the landlord’s duty to maintain the drainage system, the responsibility goes to the landlord. 

But if the drain gets blocked because the tenants were careless, the renters are at-fault. Or if there’s a biohazardous mess because of a crime that took place at the rental property, the renter could be held responsible for cleanup.

If you want solid answers, it’s best to talk with your property management company or landlord to find out precisely what is covered in case of these events since policies can vary from one to the next.

What About Damaged Personal Belongings?

If the property you’re renting becomes damaged by bodily fluids, sewage waste water, or other hazardous materials, your landlord’s home insurance should cover the cost of replacing building materials and repairing the structure. 

However, their insurance will not cover the cost of replacing any damaged and unsalvageable personal items. That’s where renter’s insurance comes in. 

Without tenant’s insurance, you will be left footing the bill out to replace all of your personal belongings. Do not rely on your landlord’s insurance policy. Even if your landlord doesn’t require you to obtain your own insurance, you’ll be paying to replace or repair any of your personal items that become damaged out of your own pocket.

Does Insurance Cover Hazardous Cleanup?

In some cases, individuals are able to file claims in their renters or homeowners insurance policies for damages caused by the hazardous event. However, it is not universal for all insurance policies to cover these events.

Before purchasing your insurance policy, whether it be a homeowners or renters plan, it’s important to review the ins and outs of what is covered. Learn the specifics before committing yourself to any policy. If the policy you’re reviewing doesn’t offer the kinds of protections you require, it may be wise to consider a policy or expand the policy’s scope.

Contact Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration

If you’ve experienced a biohazardous mess in your rental property, the best thing you can do after you reach out to your renters insurance company and landlord or rental management company is to contact the pros at Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration. 

Biohazardous contaminations can be very dangerous. When it comes to cleaning up these messes, you want a professional to handle the repairs. When you contact Black Diamond, licensed and insured professionals will assess the damage. Our specialists are experts in blood, virus, toxin, and other biohazardous contamination cleanup and restoration.
Our skilled crew members are also experts in smoke, fire, mold, water damage, and flood remediation in Provo, Orem, and neighboring Utah cities. Our trusted team of remediation technicians is available for prompt service, even 24/7 emergency service, and are dedicated to restoring and reconstructing your home. Contact our team today.

About us

Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration is ready to serve all your restoration needs, 24/7. Based out of Murray, Utah, we proudly serve Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Our licensed and certified professionals will help you through the restoration process, restoring your home or commercial space to exacting standards. With over twenty years of Disaster Restoration experience, we do it all, and we do it right!
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