Categories Water Damage

Sewage Cleanup Services in Indianapolis

Sewage-Cleanup-Services

Don’t Let Sewage Spoil Your Home – Prompt Cleanup Services in Indianapolis Await!

Hey Indianapolis homeowners! When it comes to your home, there’s nothing more crucial than maintaining a clean and healthy environment. That’s why when sewage disasters strike, speed is of the essence. Sewage issues can quickly escalate, turning from a minor nuisance into a major health and safety hazard. You’ve got to jump on the problem pronto, and we’re here to make sure you have the information you need. We’re zeroing in on the Circle City to connect you with top-tier sewage cleanup services near you. Stay tuned as we delve into everything from the risks of procrastination to practical tips for selecting the best cleanup crew for your Indianapolis home. Let’s clear the mess and reclaim your peace of mind!

Get the Facts: Sewage Contamination 101

When it comes to sewage spills, understanding the potential dangers is key. There’s more to it than just the icky factor; sewage contamination is categorized based on the level of risk it poses to health and the environment. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

Types of Sewage Contamination

Black water is the term used for sewage that has come into contact with human waste. It’s the most hazardous form of sewage contamination and can come from overflowing toilets, sewer backups, or floodwaters. But that’s not the only type you might encounter. Other types include greywater, from sinks and showers, and clear water, typically from broken pipes or rainwater infiltration. Each poses its own risks and requires specific precautions for safe handling and disposal.

Health Risks Looming in the Sewage

Contact with sewage can be more than just unpleasant—it can be harmful to your health. Exposure to pathogens, bacteria, and viruses in contaminated water can lead to serious illnesses like hepatitis, dermatitis, stomach infections, and more. It’s not something to take lightly, and that’s why tackling a sewage spill yourself can do more harm than good.

Why Call in the Experts?

With the stakes so high, professional sewage cleanup services are not just a convenience—they’re a necessity. These pros have the training, equipment, and protective gear needed to handle sewage spills safely and effectively. They’ll make sure that the area is not just visually clean, but sanitized and safe for your family and pets. Skimping on proper cleanup could leave harmful organisms behind, so when it comes to sewage cleanup, always go with the pros.

Finding Reliable Sewage Cleanup Services in Indianapolis

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a sewage spill, discovering trustworthy cleanup services is crucial for the safety and restoration of your Indianapolis home. It’s about knowing where to look and what to look for.

How to Research Reputable Sewage Cleanup Companies

Start your journey online by searching for “sewage cleanup services near me” and make a list of the local companies that pop up. Dive into their websites, taking note of their expertise and the services they offer. Don’t forget to peek at social platforms and forums where community members might share their experiences.

Importance of Choosing a Company with Experienced Personnel and the Right Equipment

The right team can make all the difference. Experience matters when dealing with complex sewage problems. A company equipped with not only the knowledge but also the latest technology assures a thorough and efficient cleanup of your space.

Tips for Choosing the Right Sewage Cleanup Company

  • Look for certifications and training that indicate industry-standard practices.
  • Sift through customer reviews for genuine feedback on their experiences.
  • Ensure they offer a comprehensive service list that aligns with your needs, from initial assessment to full restoration.
  • Check if they are transparent about the process and willing to communicate effectively.
  • Ask about their response time. In crises like sewage spills, time is of the essence.

By keeping these pointers in mind, you can be confident in finding a service provider that’ll help flip the script from disaster to relief, ensuring your Indianapolis home gets back to normal as swiftly and safely as possible.

Wrapping It Up: The Sure Path to a Safe Home

Sewage cleanup services near me – that’s a search term you never want to use, but when you do, it’s crucial to understand what you’re up against. We’ve covered the ins and outs of sewage contamination, from the immediate steps to take post-spill to the complexities of professional cleanup. We’ve even touched on preventive measures and the importance of environmental considerations.

Let’s not mince words: dealing with sewage is risky business. It’s not just about unpleasant odors; it’s about ensuring the health and safety of your family. The pathogens and toxins lurking within can spell serious trouble if not handled correctly. That’s why turning to professionals with the know-how, equipment, and experience is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity.

For the homeowners of Indianapolis, this is more than just advice; it’s a call to vigilance. At the first sign of sewage trouble, swift action is imperative. Professional sewage cleanup services not only restore your home to its former glory but also protect your peace of mind. So, remember what we’ve covered and keep it locked in for when it matters most.

  • Remember the risks associated with sewage spills.
  • Understand the immediate steps to take after a sewage spill.
  • Recognize the value of a thorough, professional cleanup process.
  • Be proactive in preventing future sewage issues.
  • Keep in mind the cost factors and environmental impacts of sewage spills.

Take heart, Indianapolis residents, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to handle these messy situations. Here’s to keeping our homes — and our city — clean, safe, and healthy.

Act Now for Peace of Mind: Secure Sewage Cleanup Services Today!

Confronting a sewage catastrophe can be overwhelming, but taking prompt action can make all the difference. Don’t wait until it’s too late; safeguard your home and health by having the contact information of reliable local sewage cleanup services at your fingertips.

For the residents of Indianapolis, finding a trustworthy partner in sewage disaster prevention and management is vital. That’s where our professional restoration services come into play. We’re not just any cleanup crew; we’re your neighbors, ready to provide emergency sewage spill help in Indianapolis whenever you need us.

  • Need to tackle a sewage problem urgently? We’re here for you round-the-clock.
  • Looking to prevent future sewage mishaps? Let’s schedule a thorough inspection and consultation.
  • Just want to be prepared? Save our number now for a swift, expert response.

Connect with us today and take a significant step towards protecting your property. Click the button below or call us directly – our friendly team is here to assist with all your sewage cleanup services near me needs.

Don’t let sewage problems take over your home. Get in touch now, and let’s keep your living space safe and serene.

Author Corbin Clow
Categories Water Damage

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Sewage Cleanup

Understanding Insurance Coverage for Sewage Cleanup

One of the most pressing concerns for homeowners facing sewage backup in their basement is whether their insurance policy covers the cleanup and repair costs. Understanding the specifics of your homeowners’ insurance policy is crucial for a stress-free recovery process.

Clarifying Homeowners’ Insurance Policies Regarding Sewage Backup

Standard homeowners’ insurance policies may not cover sewage backup without a specific endorsement. It’s essential to review your policy’s declarations page and check for any exclusions or limitations concerning sewage backup or water damage. Policies can vary significantly, so consider speaking with your insurance agent to ensure clarity and to purchase additional coverage if necessary.

Steps to Take to Ensure You’re Covered for Sewage Cleanup and Related Repairs

Ensuring that you’re covered requires a proactive approach:

  • Review Your Policy: Frequently review your insurance policy to understand your coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions that might affect sewage backup incidents.
  • Document Everything: In the event of sewage backup, document the damage thoroughly with photos and detailed notes. This evidence is crucial when filing an insurance claim.
  • Contact Your Agent: As soon as possible, get in touch with your insurance agent to report the incident and seek guidance on the claims process.
  • Understand the Claims Process: Familiarize yourself with the process of filing a claim, the timeline involved, and what documentation is required from your side.

By understanding your insurance policy and meticulously documenting the damage, you can make a well-informed claim and take a significant step towards a swift and efficient cleanup and restoration of your basement.

The Cost of Cleanliness: Expenses Associated with Sewage Cleanup

Dealing with a sewage mishap in your basement not only requires prompt and effective action to mitigate damage but also awareness of the financial implications. Navigating the costs of sewage cleanup is crucial for homeowners to understand the potential impact on their budget and to plan accordingly.

Breaking Down the Direct and Indirect Costs of Sewage Cleanup

When it comes to sewage cleanup, expenses can vary widely depending on the scale of contamination and the required restoration efforts. Direct costs are the immediate and tangible expenses involved in the cleanup process. These include:

  • Professional cleaning and restoration service fees
  • Costs for specialized equipment and supplies used in the cleanup
  • Expenses related to the removal and disposal of contaminated materials
  • Additional utility costs during the intensive cleanup process

Indirect costs, however, are often overlooked but equally important. They may encompass:

  • Temporary accommodation costs if the home is uninhabitable during cleanup
  • Loss of personal property that cannot be restored or decontaminated
  • Potential health care expenses due to exposure to hazardous waste
  • Long-term damage to property value if cleanliness standards aren’t met

Discussing Factors That Affect the Overall Replacement Cost

Several variables can influence the overall replacement cost during the sewage cleanup process, such as:

  • Extent of Damage: More extensive contamination increases the workload and materials needed, thereby raising costs.
  • Type of Materials Affected: Some materials may require specialized cleaning methods or may be irreplaceable, adding to expenses.
  • Urgency of the Situation: Emergency services often come at a premium, with after-hours or rapid response fees.
  • Geographical Location: Costs can vary depending on local market rates for professional services and supplies.

Understanding these variables can help homeowners better anticipate the expenses involved and take informed steps when contracting sewage cleanup services.

Education on the financial aspects of dealing with a sewage crisis is imperative. It empowers homeowners to make informed decisions and facilitates a more efficient path to restoring their property and peace of mind.

Expert Help: The Role of Professional Sewage Cleanup Services

Dealing with sewage in your basement is not only unpleasant but also potentially hazardous. In certain situations, enlisting the help of a professional sewage cleanup service is not only advisable but necessary for the safety of your home and family. Professional services are crucial in managing the problem effectively and ensuring that your living space is restored to a safe, hygienic state.

When to Hire Professionals and the Services They Provide

It is essential to call in professional help if:

  • The sewage spill area is large or if the sewage has been standing for an extended period.
  • You have any health concerns that may be aggravated by exposure to pathogens present in sewage.
  • There is significant damage to your property and it’s beyond a simple clean-up.

Professional sewage cleanup services offer a range of solutions such as:

  • Assessment and evaluation of the contamination extent.
  • Removal and disposal of contaminated materials according to health regulations.
  • Thorough cleaning, sanitization, and drying of affected areas.
  • Executing necessary repairs and restoration work.
  • Implementing measures to prevent future sewage backup issues.

The Benefits of Utilizing Professional Equipment and Expertise

Professional cleanup teams come equipped with the right tools and expertise to handle hazardous materials safely and effectively. Here are some benefits they bring to the table:

  • Industrial-grade equipment: Professionals have access to high-powered water extraction units, air scrubbers, and specialized cleaning agents that are more effective than common household tools.
  • Expertise: Trained technicians understand the nuances of dealing with contaminated environments, ensuring that the cleanup process is thorough and complies with health regulations.
  • Speed: With their experience, professionals can complete the job more quickly, minimizing the time your property is compromised.

Professional sewage cleanup services can transform a dire situation into a manageable and resolved issue, ensuring your basement is safe, clean, and odor-free. While the upfront cost might seem like an added burden, the long-term health and safety benefits far outweigh the expense.

Author Corbin Clow
Categories Insurance Claims, Water Damage

Basement Flooding Caused by a Sump Pump in Indianapolis

This is a real-world flooded basement caused by a sump pump failure near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Our water damage case studies help answer questions about water restoration services, emergency plumbing services and water damage insurance claims.  We hope you find the answers to your questions and if you need help with water damage in the Indianapolis and surrounding areas give us a call.

Need Help with Water Damage? 

Call Now (317) 315-5071

 

 

Flooded Basement Questions we hope to answer.

What caused the basement flooding?

How to get insurance to pay for water damage?

How did the emergency service plumber fix the problem and how much did it cost?

What water mitigation services were needed to remove the water and cleanup the basement?

Was the water damage covered by the homeowner’s insurance company?

How much did the water damage restoration services cost?

What was needed to complete the water damage repairs?

 

 

What caused the Basement Flooding?

When you have water in your basement after it rains 2 inches in an hour or if it rains heavily for a long period of time, typically the water is leaking into the basement because the sump pump is not working properly.

The basement flooding was caused by a sump pump failure.  In this customer’s basement the sump pump failed and a sump pump replacement was needed.  The homeowner did not have a water powered sump pump backup or a sump pump battery backup.  How long to sump pumps last?  Usually it is a good rule of thumb to replace a sump pump every 3 to 5 years.  Below is a picture of the sump pump after it was removed from the flooded basement.

 

basement flooding caused by sump pump

 

How to get insurance to pay for water damage?

An insurance company will pay for water damage for many reasons.  A water damage insurance claim can be difficult for any homeowner to navigate on their own because of all the unknowns and inexperience, you don’t know what you don’t know.

Dealing with an insurance adjuster after water damage can be much easier if you are working with a professional water damage restoration contractor.  An experienced water damage company can help you work through the details of water damage insurance coverage and walk a homeowner through a water damage claim process.

Restorex Disaster Restoration specializes in water damage insurance claims and helping our customers decide if they should file an insurance claim for water damage.  We are able to give our customers peace of mind to let them know what type of water damage is covered by homeowners insurance.

Once the homeowner places an insurance claim, Restorex takes care of the question – “How to get insurance to pay for water damage”.

 

 

How did the Emergency Service Plumber fix the problem and how much did it cost?

A sump pump replacement can cost anywhere from $800 – $1500.  The sump pump cost is about $150 – $300 depending on the quality of the pump you are purchasing and the rest of the cost is the installation by the emergency service plumber.

An emergency service plumber’s hourly rate can range between $100 – $200 per hour during normal business hours.  If they are called out after hours on the weekends, to make a sump pump repair, the cost can be twice as much.  If our customers can wait until normal business hours to make plumbing repairs we recommend it.

 

 

What Water Mitigation Services were needed to remove the water and cleanup the basement water damage?

 

Finding Water Damage

In order to find the what was wet in the flooded basement we used a Survey Master non-invasive moisture meter.  These moisture meters can read the moisture content of the wet building materials to determine how much was damaged from the water in the basement.  The basement water affected drywall about 6 inches high and the wood stud walls.  This basement had a finished concrete floor (no carpet and pad or laminate).  In our opinion, this is the best flooring for a basement that floods.

The basement was close to 2000 square feet and the entire square footage had basement water damage.

Water Extraction

Every water mitigation project begins with water extraction.  The water extraction equipment used to remove the water depends on the flooring in the basement.

When a basement pump is replaced, it will pump a lot of standing basement water out.  Once the standing water is pump out, we will begin to extract the remaining water with our equipment.

This customer had a finished basement and it had wet carpet and pad.   We used a portable water extraction unit to remove the water from the wet carpet and pad.  The water from the extractor is pumped into the sump pump pit and the basement sump pump removes the water from the basement.

flooded basement water extraction

Material Removals

The materials that get removed can be different on every water damage project.

On this particular project, we performed baseboard removals and removed the carpet and pad from the basement.  After the carpet and pad were removed, we tore out the tack strip that was ruined.

Water Damage Equipment

When the removals are complete, we set water damage fans and dehumidifiers designed to dry out a wet basement.  The equipment we use to dry out flooded basements are specifically designed to speed up the drying process.

We used a XXL Low Grain Refrigerant dehumidifier and a Large Low Grain Refrigerant dehumidifier and air movers distributed around the basement in order to increase the rate of evaporation.  Every water mitigation project needs to have air movement, heat and dehumidification to get the basement structure back to its original moisture content.

The drying process does not stop until all the wet building materials are returned to their original moisture content.

 

 

Was the water damage covered by the homeowner’s insurance company?

Yes.  The homeowner’s insurance policy covered the water damage restoration services, including the water mitigation services and water damage repairs.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover water damage from rain?  The answer to this question is Yes and No.  Below are some water damage insurance claims tips:

  • Yes, basement water damage is covered by insurance if the policy includes drain backup or sump pump backup coverage.
  • No, if the water came in through a window, wall, or door.
  • No, if the insurance policy does not include the writer to include drain backup or sump backup coverage.

How much does insurance pay for water damage?  There are some water damage scenarios that can have limits.  In this scenario the customer had $10,000 in coverage.  This was enough to pay for the water damage insurance claim for our customer.

We recommend that any homeowner that has a finished basement, carry at least $10,000 in drain backup or sump pump backup coverage.  

 

How much did the water damage restoration services cost?

The cost of water damage restoration services varies on every project.

Xactimate is an estimating software that uses individual line items to estimate all water mitigation services and water damage repair services to very detailed accuracy.  Restorex Disaster Restoration uses Xactimate to work directly with our customer’s insurance companies.

This water damage restoration project had 18 line items for the water mitigation and cost approximately $4,700 for the water mitigation services.

The homeowner’s insurance company paid for all the water damage restoration services and our customer was only responsible to pay their insurance deductible.

 

What was needed to complete the basement water damage repairs?

Restorex did not complete any basement water damage repairs on this project.

If you need help with a flooded basement, water damage or a water damage insurance claim give us a call (317) 315-5071.

Author Corbin Clow
Categories Water Damage

Sump Pumps and Basements

What a Homeowner Needs to Know about Sump Pumps and Basements

Basements are notorious for water damage and the cause of many headaches for lots of homeowners….But with a little “Know How” the average homeowner can maintain and protect their basement from substantial water damage.

Bottom Line Up Front – A Sump Pump is the most important piece of equipment in the modern day Basement.

The Sump Pump is what relieves the water pressure from the foundation walls when it rains, so they Do Not Leak. If the Sump Pump Fails, the water has no where to go except into the Basement…. Many professional plumbers recommend changing a sump pump every 3 to 5 years.

“This is the Best FREE advice you’ll get on protecting your basement.”

 

How Long Does a Sump Pump Last?

The sump pump can last longer that 3 to 5 years, but is it worth the risk?  By paying for some preventative maintenance, you can save yourself the time and hassle of a Flooded Basement and Water Damage Insurance Claim.

We spend a lot of time in flooded basements and there are many of them that could have been prevented by changing the sump pump by a professional plumber.

 

Failed Sump Pumps Cause Basements to Flood

Flooded basements are a very common type of water damage homeowners experience.  Most flooded basements are caused by sump pump back up or failure.

A sump pump will back up if it trying to run past its lifespan (3 to 5 years) or if the power is off due to extreme storms.  A lot of homeowners will have a battery back up system in case of a power outage.

In our opinion these systems aren’t the best investment because a lot times when you really need them they either are not able to pump out the volume of water or the battery is not good after a few years and cannot power the secondary pump for very long after the power goes out.

 

Author Corbin Clow
Categories Water Damage

Understanding Basement Water Damage

 

Understanding Water Damage in Basements

As a water damage restoration contractor we see a lot of basements that experience water damage.  In central Indiana we find ourselves standing in a lot of flooded basements.

Many times it is unavoidable but there can be steps a homeowner can take to help mitigate the damage.  It is very important for a homeowner who has a finished basement to have the proper insurance coverage.  Read our article on water damage insurance coverage.

 

HOW THE BASEMENT WALLS ARE BUILT

Basements are built deep into the ground and because they are built deep into the ground, they fight against water intrusion constantly.  The foundation walls are concrete. Which is an excellent structural building product but is not a waterproof building product.

This is why a waterproofing system is installed on the outside of the wall, when the house it first built.  The waterproofing membrane can be a peel and stick product or a liquid based product that is sprayed or rolled on the wall.

The contractor gets one chance to do this correctly.  It is very hard and costly to dig up the dirt around the basement foundation walls to re-apply or fix the basement waterproofing if it goes bad.

The waterproofing membrane helps keep the water from coming into the basement, but it doesn’t pump the water away from the walls.  This is why sump pump systems are installed.

 

SUMP PUMP SYSTEM

A sump pump system is a combination of drain pipes that are installed at the bottom of the basement foundation walls, a sump pit, and a pump.

The excess water that is exerting pressure on the basement walls after a heavy rain or snow melt needs to be pumped away so that the walls are not damaged because of the weight or pressure of the water.

In theory, a sump pump system is good because it helps maintain good foundation walls by removing the water pressure.  The bad side of the system is that it relies entirely on one mechanical pump.

Sump pumps typically need to be changed every 3 – 5 years.  The problem is most homeowners don’t know when the last pump was installed.  The safest thing a homeowner can do is install a brand new sump pump and make sure it is sized and installed by a licensed plumber.

If the sump pump is undersized, it will not be able to pump the water fast enough and the water will back up into the basement.

 

SUMP PUMP BATTERY BACKUP

In our opinion these systems are not worth the money.  Number one reason we don’t recommend them because we are cleaning up a lot of flooded basements that have them installed.

Now from a technical standpoint, these systems are usually installed with a 12 Volt Lead Acid Battery, that operate a smaller pump than your traditional sump pump.  These systems are installed just in case you lose power during a large storm.

Typically, during a large storm your basement is fighting against more water than normal and you need all the pump capacity that you can get.  When the power is out, your sump pump battery backup system kicks on, but it is only able to pump water using the smaller pump that is installed with the battery backup.  If the power is out too long the smaller pump will not be able to keep up with the volume of water.

The other limiting factor of the system is the 12 volt lead acid battery only has so much power to give.  If the power is shut down for longer than a few hours you might have water backing up into the basement because your battery is out of electricity to power the pump.

 

BACKUP GENERATOR FOR SUMP PUMP

The best way to avoid a flooded basement during a large storm is to use a backup generator to run the sump pump.  If you have a small 2500 to 3000 watt gas powered generator on standby, this should be enough to keep your pump running, until the utility power is turned back on.

 

DEHUMIDIFIER FOR BASEMENT

All basements should have a small dehumidifier running to keep the humidity down.  Basements are generally cooler than the other areas of the home.  Which means they are susceptible to moisture and mold growth.

When the humidity is high and the surfaces of your basement walls and floor are cool, the moisture can fall out of the air and absorb into your building materials (drywall, wood, carpet etc.).  When this happens the excess moisture, organic materials, and no sunlight is a good breeding ground for mold.

 

BEST DEHUMIDIFIER FOR BASEMENT

Our recommendation is to buy a dehumidifier that has an automatic pump system.

The auto pump feature allows the water created from the dehumidifier to be pumped into a drain without the homeowner being involved.

A small, inexpensive dehumidifier, we recommend to our customers is a Soleus Air® 70-Pint Dehumidifier with Internal Pump.  This is a good size dehumidifier that has an internal pump so you don’t have to empty the drain pan or manual operate the pump.

 

BASEMENT FLOORING

We have seen people install many different flooring products in basements.  There are a few products we recommend but a lot that do not work well in a basement.

Do not install any wood based flooring products in a basement.  This includes hardwoods, engineered hardwood, wood based laminate or any variation of wood based products.

Wood and water damage do not mix well.  Basements are very prone to water damage.  Therefore, it does not make sense to install wood based flooring products in a basement.

Carpet is affordable, compared to other flooring options. But carpet and pad also absorb a lot of water when affected by water damage.  Usually a homeowner will need to hire a water restoration contractor if their basement floods and they have carpet installed.

Next we will talk about different waterproof and water resistant flooring.

 

WATERPROOF FLOORING OR WATER RESISTANT

The only flooring that is technically waterproof in our opinion is concrete and ceramic or stone based tiles.  These products when installed on a concrete slab do not need to be removed when a basement floods.

Vinyl Laminate Plank or Waterproof Laminate Floors do need to be removed when a basement floods.  Therefore, in our opinion these floors are not waterproof but water resistant.

They are great products to install in a basement when considering flooring options.  But they should be removed if you experience a flooded basement.  Read more about waterproof laminate flooring.

 

BASEMENT FINISHING

Finished basements usually take the form of wood walls, that are insulated with R-19 Batt insulation, covered with paper faced drywall, with wood baseboards and carpet and pad flooring.

Other amenities that can be installed are full bathrooms with sink, toilet and a shower.  A partial or full kitchen installed with a sink, dishwasher and refrigerator. Or large TV rooms or theaters rooms for the family to enjoy movie night.

All of these amenities come with their difficulties if your basement floods.  A homeowner should check with their insurance provider to ensure the limits on their sump pump backup or drain backup will cover everything in their basement if it floods.

 

BASEMENT BATHROOMS

If you are finishing a basement with a fully functioning bathroom, this will require a trash pump system to be installed.  This trash pump is what takes the “sewage water” from your sinks and toilets up to the sewer system.

Much like a sump pump, the trash pump runs on electricity and has a limited life span.  If the trash pump fails or backs up, you not only have water damage but you have sewage damage.

The standard operating procedure for a sewage cleanup is to remove all porous materials that the water touches.  This includes drywall, baseboards, insulation and carpeting.

Most people who have bathrooms in their basements don’t know they own a trash pump, until it needs replaced.

These pumps don’t have to work has hard as the sump pump.  But they do require oversight to make sure they are being changed within their lifespan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Author Corbin Clow
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