Backed Up Sewage Can Make You Sick

Blocked or damaged plumbing can cause sewage to back up into your home. If sewage is emerging from your sink, shower, or toilet, call a plumber ASAP. In addition to the nasty appearance and smell, raw sewage often contains many dangerous microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Exposure can lead to serious illness and even death.

Seven Sicknesses That Can be Caused by Backed Up Sewage.

Adenovirus infection

An adenovirus infection can lead to respiratory infections like pneumonia, croup, and bronchitis. It’s also known to cause severe eye infections, such as conjunctivitis.

Campylobacteriosis

Caused by the bacterium Campylobacter, Campylobacteriosis is the most common diarrheal illness in the U.S. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

E. coli infection

Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, is a bacterium often found in sewage. Some types of E. coli are harmless, others can cause severe illness. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.

Gastroenteritis

Also known as the stomach flu, a gastroenteritis infection can be caused by a number of viruses. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and fever.

Giardiasis

Caused by the one-celled microscopic parasite Giardia intestinalis, Giardiasis is one of the most common waterborne diseases in the United States. Symptoms include upset stomach, diarrhea, loose or watery stools, and stomach cramps.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by the virus Hepatitis A. Symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fever.

Salmonellosis

An infection caused by a group of bacteria called Salmonella, the most common of which are Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Left untreated, salmonella can lead to death.

Even the air in the vicinity of the backup can be bad for you. In addition to airborne microorganisms, raw sewage can produce gasses such as methane, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.

Protect Yourself From Illness

While you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive, avoid coming into contact with the sewage or any surfaces it’s touched. Don’t use any water for personal use until you know it’s safe. Once repairs are complete and you begin to clean up, be sure to wear the proper protective clothing (including rubber gloves, boots, and eye protection) to avoid coming into contact with any sewage or contaminated surfaces. Thoroughly disinfect every surface that was in contact with the sewage.

Your First Choice for Emergency Plumbing Services in Oceanside, CA

If a blocked or damaged sewer line is putting you and your family at risk, contact the Oceanside, CA plumbing experts at 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration without delay. We’ve been providing outstanding plumbing services to home and business owners in Oceanside, CA, and surrounding communities since 2012. In addition to repairing your sewer line, our professional cleaning and water damage restoration services can safely clean and sanitize any contaminated surfaces.

Our team of licensed experienced Oceanside, CA plumbers are available 24/7 to deal with whatever plumbing emergency you may be experiencing. In most cases, we can be onsite within an hour of your call. You can contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website, or call us at 866-437-0205 to schedule a visit.