Did you know that harmful bacteria like E-coli can live for months in a home or business after a flood or sewage spill without water damage restoration? It is a scary thought to know that not only does standing water present the risk of mold and mildew, but environmental factors like soil, water, or excrement allow certain bacteria to thrive. Here´s what you should know about bacteria.

What Are Possible Bacteria Found in Flood Water?

Floodwater often contains harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Enterococcus, Hepatitis A, Legionella, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial exposure causes diseases like typhoid and tetanus. Rainfall can even expose people to leptospirosis, which can cause organ failure and death.

How Fast Do Pathogens Grow After A Flood?

If you often read our blogs, you know we advocate for mitigation. Why? Bacteria can grow so quickly that it increases the risk of bacterial exposure. Here is an example. In just an hour after a flood or sewage leak, you could easily have more than a million microbes growing. Each day, that number multiplies unless water damage restoration is performed quickly by Restore Pro experts.

Why Is Water Extraction Necessary?

How fast can our experts remove bacteria? It is essential to remember that any bacteria present will be both in the water and surface areas. The water damage restoration process includes water extraction, which will significantly reduce the number of bacteria present. Proper sterilization and cleanup of the surface areas will further ensure any bacterium types are competently eliminated.

Standing water may be composed of fresh water and sewage, so the likelihood of contamination is higher. Along with bacteria, mold growth begins to appear quickly, which causes you to get sick and will damage building materials.  Older and younger occupants are also at elevated risks for serious health problems like respiratory issues, bacterial infections, skin conditions, and loss of life.

Water extraction is a critical water restoration technique that removes the water source. It also removes water that has penetrated the home or business´s wood planks, drywall, and porous building materials. The process also removes water from furniture, carpets, or personal possessions, which increases the likelihood that we will be able to restore the most property.

You should also be aware that after flooding, mud and other environmental debris may be present. All of these elements may damage the floors, walls, insulation, or surfaces. The water extraction process may require additional actions to ready a home or business for the drying process. Air and heat may also be required, depending on what type of bacteria is found on-site.

How Does The Drying Process Help Remove Bacteria?

The drying process during water damage restoration removes any existing moisture from the air and surface areas to prevent bacteria from growing. Applied heat will further kill harmful germs. After an area is dry, our experts use commercial equipment and disinfectants to clean away any remaining micro-organisms. It is the most secure way to ensure your family or customers are safe.

For water damage restoration in Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, call us at 1-800-847-0114 or visit https://www.facebook.com/RestorePro911/ to schedule an appointment.