A call-out for CleanSafe Services highlighted the need for specialist cleaners when there is a sewage leak.
Many people call a plumber, thinking that plumbers take care of the leak and clean up the sewage, but this is rarely the case. A plumber will generally request specialist cleaners are called to remove the raw sewage before they can start work.
Undiscovered sewer pipe leak
A sewer pipe behind a boxed-in toilet cabinet had been leaking raw sewage for weeks before it was discovered by householder Maxine, from Cheshire.
Once she had made the discovery, Maxine called CleanSafe Services to clean up the sewage leak. Wisely, she did not attempt to deal with it herself.
Karen Evans, CleanSafe Services technician, said: “Maxine did the right thing in calling CleanSafe Services. Raw sewage is a health risk and dangerous to try to clean up yourself. You need the proper protective equipment and clothing when you are cleaning up raw sewage.
“We work through the problem in a methodical way to leave the premises sanitised, taking away the risk of sewage-borne infections.”
Sewage leaks can also risk contaminating the rest of the house with dangerous bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella, leaving residual problems that put children and pets at risk for months to come.
Karen and colleague Lee Yates quickly removed the raw sewage and then thoroughly cleaned and sanitised Maxine’s cloakroom.
“They helped me when I really needed it!”
Maxine was delighted by the CleanSafe Services fast response to what was a very urgent problem. The toilet could not be used again until the blockage in the sewer pipe was repaired. But the plumber called by Maxine couldn’t start work until the sewage was removed.
Maxine thought she was facing weeks without being able to use the toilet.
he said: “Lee and Karen from CleanSafe Services were absolutely excellent. They really went over and above the call of duty.
“Lee removed the wooden boxing to get proper access to the pipe, for which I will be forever grateful. The leak and the build-up of sewage had been going on for such a long time but there was no warning until the flies came. Lee showed me the problem. He also explained about sewer flies.
“I had originally called the plumber, who came and took the toilet off. He took one look at the mess behind it and walked out.”
“I called CleanSafe at 9:30 in the morning and they were there by lunchtime, fully equipped with all the right gear and ready to clean up the sewage.
“CleanSafe Services were so quick and the service was fantastic. I was able to pay by BACS or credit card for the same-day service – and they helped me when I really needed it!”
Working with plumbing and drainage companies
CleanSafe Services frequently works with plumbing, drainage and water treatment maintenance firms to provide sewage cleaning services. They respond quickly to deal with sewage floods and sewage leaks.
Sister company, WasteSafe Services, is a licensed waste carrier, authorised to collect and dispose of sewage waste.
CleanSafe Services operatives work methodically to follow a process proven to clean sewage and prevent future problems. They always start with a site and risk assessment and then prepare RAMS (Risk and Method Statements).
The cleaning process is divided into stages, including containing and removing the sewage, cleaning and sanitising, investigating the source of the problem and restoration or repairs if required. CleanSafe Services operatives use equipment and cleaning products not available to the general public.
