Two beaches in Cleveland on Lake Erie have issued high bacteria alerts in recent weeks. Beachgoers at Villa Angela State Park and Euclid State Park have been informed that the water has been seriously contaminated since as early as Labor Day. The culprit? A sewage pipe at a nearby mobile home community is improperly draining into a storm pipe, which means that raw sewage is being pumped in the lake. This is a very dangerous situation because exposure to black water can cause serious health problems. Whether sewage is present at the beach or in your own home it’s best to be extremely cautious. A certified sewage backup company will be able to help you if you experience any type of toilet overflow or other plumbing incident.

How Did It Happen?

Apparently the sewage pipe that caused the trouble is made out of clay, which is a generally outdated material for plumbing. The pipe travels over a storm sewer, and while this is generally not an issue there happens to be a bad leak in the sewage pipe, meaning that black water is falling directly into the open storm sewer leading to Lake Erie. The owner of the property is quickly working to address the problem. In the meantime, it’s best to stay out of the water. When raw sewage is present at these levels it can lead to serous illnesses including infections and hepatitis. Symptoms could including vomiting and intestinal discomfort that will soon pass, or things could get much worse and even lead to fatal problems.

The same exposure risks are present anytime you experience a sewage backup in your home. If black water comes up and floods your floors keep yourself and all other inhabitants far away from the area. It’s simply not worth trying to clean up the mess by yourself. Professional sewage backup cleanup services will get the job done right with no risks, leaving your home fresh and sanitized.

Be Vigilant

The best way to avoid plumbing leaks is to inspect your pipes. A qualified professional can also be called in to do this as well. Any old, outdated or worn materials should be replaced in order to stop trouble before it starts. A thorough look at the plumbing at the mobile home community may have very well revealed the poor material before the leak began. Preventative maintenance will not only save you a lot of money, but will also go far in protecting your health and safety. Even gray water, though less immediately dangerous than black water, can carry enough bacteria to pose a threat. Gray water emanates from bathtubs and sinks that overflow as well as water-using appliances like a washing machine. Keep an eye on all hoses and connections to be sure they are watertight, and if you do experience the misfortune of a sewage leak get a professional on your side fast. Stay safe at the beach and at home.