After arriving on the scene of a sewage back up, a DRI project manager will make an assessment of the sewage damage and begin the recovery process. When dealing with sewage it is important to note that the affected area is highly contaminated and may not be safe for humans. There are three classifications when dealing with contamination of water. A sewage loss is classified as Category 3 water (by the IICRC standards – the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) and is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents – this is often referred to as Black Water.
DRI will remove and properly address the sewage affected areas. It may be necessary to set up containment around the affected area to control the spread of contaminants as well as odor and/or dust control during the clean up phase. Once remediation of the affected materials is complete and any remaining residues are mitigated surfaces or materials will be treated to return the property to its pre-damage condition.
DRI may use a pro-microbial agent to treat affected areas – this agent uses a similar process in breaking down contaminants as waste treatment facilities use. This is an advanced treatment agent where DRI is leading the industry.