Why Sewage Losses Happen – Causes, Risks, and the Right Way to Clean Them

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When most people think of water damage, they picture a burst pipe or a leaky roof. But sewage losses are far more dangerous and destructive. Unlike clean or gray water leaks, sewage water (also known as Category 3 water) is highly contaminated and requires immediate professional cleanup. Understanding why sewage losses happen — and how to respond — can help protect your health, your home, and your investment.

What Is a Sewage Loss?

A sewage loss occurs when wastewater backs up into a home or business instead of draining properly. This water isn’t just dirty — it contains harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical contaminants. Because sewage can spread quickly through flooring, walls, and personal belongings, every hour of delay makes cleanup more complex and costly.

The Most Common Causes of Sewage Losses

  1. Aging or Damaged Sewer Lines
    Many properties still rely on older clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes that deteriorate over time. Cracks, collapses, and corrosion can all cause sewage to back up into a property.
  2. Tree Root Intrusion
    Roots naturally seek moisture and can break into underground sewer pipes through tiny cracks or loose joints. Once inside, they expand, creating blockages that force sewage back into the property.
  3. Heavy Rains and Flooding
    When municipal sewer systems are overwhelmed by storms or snowmelt, excess water can push sewage backwards into homes — particularly basements and first floors.
  4. Clogs from Improper Disposal
    Flushing non-flushable items like wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, or pouring grease down drains creates blockages that prevent proper flow. Over time, this leads to sudden and messy backups.
  5. Sewer Line Breaks or Misalignment
    Shifting soil, construction activity, or poor installation can cause joints to separate, collapse, or misalign. This restricts sewage flow and increases the risk of backups.

Why Sewage Backups Are So Dangerous

  • Serious Health Hazards
    Category 3 water contains pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and respiratory problems. Direct contact or even airborne exposure can be harmful.
  • Extensive Property Damage
    Sewage water saturates drywall, flooring, insulation, and furniture. Most porous materials must be removed, not just cleaned, to prevent long-term contamination.
  • Lingering Odors and Hidden Contamination
    Even after water is removed, dangerous bacteria can remain inside building materials, causing odors and long-term health risks if not properly treated.

Why Professional Cleanup Is Essential

Sewage losses are not a DIY job. Shop-vacs, mops, and household disinfectants cannot fully sanitize a contaminated area. Professional sewage cleanup includes:

  • Full Safety Precautions – Crews wear PPE including respirators, gloves, and protective suits.
  • Specialized Extraction – Industrial pumps and vacuums remove contaminated water quickly.
  • Controlled Demolition – Unsalvageable materials such as carpet, insulation, and drywall are safely removed.
  • Disinfection & Sanitization – EPA-approved disinfectants are applied to all affected surfaces.
  • Structural Drying – Dehumidifiers and air movers prevent mold growth after cleanup.

Protecting Your Property from Future Sewage Losses

While not all sewage losses are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce risk:

  • Schedule routine inspections of older sewer lines.
  • Avoid planting trees near underground sewer pipes.
  • Install a backwater valve to prevent municipal backups during storms.
  • Never flush wipes, feminine products, or paper towels — even if labeled “flushable.”
  • Properly dispose of cooking grease instead of pouring it down drains.

Fast Response Matters

Every minute counts during a sewage loss. Delaying cleanup can mean higher repair costs, more property damage, and greater health risks.

At MSI, our trained teams are available 24/7 for emergency sewage cleanup and water damage restoration. We follow strict industry standards to remove hazardous water, sanitize the property, and restore it safely — giving you peace of mind when you need it most.

Call MSI today at 215-339-1769 for immediate sewage cleanup services.

Decoding the Classes of Water Damage: A Guide for Homeowners

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When water damage occurs in your home, the level of severity can vary greatly. Understanding the different classes of water damage can help homeowners make informed decisions about the necessary restoration processes and prepare for the challenges ahead.

What are the Classes of Water Damage? Water damage is categorized into four distinct classes. Each class represents the extent of water absorption and the potential rate of evaporation needed to resolve the damage.

Class 1: Minimal Impact

  • Description: This class involves the least amount of water absorption and the smallest affected area. Typically, only a part of a room or area with materials that absorb minimal moisture, like plywood or concrete.
  • Action Steps: Quick mopping and simple drying methods are often sufficient to restore the affected areas.

Class 2: Moderate Absorption

  • Description: This class deals with an entire room affected by water damage or moisture present in structural materials like wood, drywall, and carpet.
  • Action Steps: Increased water extraction efforts and the use of dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers are necessary to prevent long-term damage.

Class 3: Severe Water Damage

  • Description: The most extreme amount of water absorption occurs in this class. Water often comes from overhead, affecting ceilings, walls, insulation, and subfloors.
  • Action Steps: Specialized equipment and strategies are required, including powerful dehumidifiers and aggressive air movers to manage the saturation.

Class 4: Special Situations

  • Description: This class involves water damage to materials with low porosity such as hardwood, plaster, and brick. Conventional drying methods are not effective.
  • Action Steps: Complex drying methods, often requiring more time and advanced techniques, are needed. These might include the use of thermal hygrometers and specialized drying systems.

Recognizing the class of water damage in your home is crucial for effective mitigation and restoration. Each class requires a different approach to ensure your home returns to its pre-damage condition efficiently and safely. Homeowners should consult with professional water damage restoration experts, like MSI, who can accurately assess the damage and implement the most effective restoration strategies.

Is Wind Damage Covered Under Insurance?

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When strong winds sweep through an area, they can leave a trail of destruction, from torn-off shingles and broken windows to fallen trees and structural damage. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a windstorm, one of your first questions may be: Is wind damage covered under insurance? The answer depends on your specific policy, but in many cases, homeowners’ insurance does cover wind-related damage. However, complications arise when wind damage leads to other issues—especially water damage.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Typically Cover?

Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do cover wind damage, particularly from storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. This usually includes:

However, coverage can vary based on where you live. In hurricane-prone areas, for example, some policies may have higher deductibles for wind-related claims, or they may exclude windstorm damage altogether unless additional coverage is purchased.

The Hidden Risk: Water Damage After Wind Damage

One of the most overlooked aspects of wind damage is how it can lead to water intrusion. If your roof is compromised, shingles are torn off, or windows are broken, rainwater can enter your home, causing further destruction. Water damage from wind-related issues can result in:

  • Ceiling leaks and water-stained walls
  • Mold growth due to trapped moisture
  • Damaged insulation and structural weakening
  • Electrical hazards from water exposure

While insurance policies generally cover water damage if it’s a direct result of wind damage, things get complicated when insurers determine whether the water came from rain entering through a damaged structure or from rising floodwaters.

Wind vs. Flood Damage: Understanding the Difference

Insurance companies often make a key distinction between wind-driven rain (which is usually covered) and flooding (which typically requires separate flood insurance). If water enters your home because wind damaged your roof or windows, it is generally covered. However, if water damage results from storm surge, overflowing bodies of water, or groundwater seeping in, standard policies do not cover it—this falls under flood insurance.

Steps to Take After Wind and Water Damage

If you’ve suffered wind-related damage to your home, here’s what you should do:

  1. Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of any wind and water-related damage as soon as it is safe to do so.
  2. Prevent Further Damage: If possible, cover broken windows and damaged areas with tarps or boards to prevent additional water intrusion.
  3. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Report the damage promptly and provide as much evidence as possible.
  4. Schedule Professional Water Damage Restoration: Prompt cleanup is crucial to prevent mold growth and long-term structural issues.

Need Help After Wind and Water Damage?

Dealing with storm damage can be overwhelming, especially when water is involved. At MSI, we specialize in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and emergency storm damage cleanup. Our team can help assess the damage, dry out affected areas, and restore your property to pre-loss condition. If you’re dealing with wind and water damage, don’t wait—contact us today to get expert help.