Here you will see a basement in need of mold removal in Manahawkin, N.J.  There was a significant amount of water damage in Manahawkin N.J., which damaged walls and flooring. This is the type of work that needs an experienced restoration company. This picture was taken before our team went to work. We will help this homeowner get his basement back to normal.

When water damage in Long Port, N.J. strikes your basement, or any part of the home, you panic a little. But it isn’t too bad as long as it isn’t too deep.
 
But when sewage strikes, that’s an entirely different situation. Raw sewage can’t be as easily removed and cleaned as a typical water intrusion, such as from a storm or pipe that has broken.
 
The first order of business is to find out whose sewage it is. Did it come from your own home because it couldn’t drain properly? Is it a simple overflow from the toilet? Or is it from the sewer system backing up from the street?
 
There’s a big, big difference dealing with your own poo and the poo of all your neighbors.
 
The small jobs
 
As mentioned, sewage can occur from a simple toilet overflow. Those dirty jobs are easy to handle. Put on rubber gloves, preferably rubber boots, and other protective gear so there is no skin contact. A wet/dry vacuum is a handle tool for picking up raw sewage, since you are dealing with just one overflow and the amount is small. After removing the waste, use a powerful disinfectant on the floor to clean the last of it up. If you have carpet, that might need to be replaced.
 
The big jobs
 
Some sewage backups occur because of a failed sewer system, not just a simple overflow of a toilet.
 
A common issue with sewer issues is when your sewer line is attacked by tree roots. Over time, roots can work their way into the sewer line, as they search for water. The roots grow into the line, expanding and eventually plugging up the line completely. Then your normal household use of the plumbing system backs up into the home.
 
The worst type is a backflow from the public sewer system, where gallons — or even hundreds of gallons — of raw sewage from all types of sources can enter your home. There are various causes of this, but the bottom line is you now have contaminants that are very hazardous to your health.
 
When this happens, it’s time to protect yourself. Don’t attempt to go into the basement and clean it yourself, even if you have face masks and skin protection. The biological hazards are too great.
 
This is one of those times you must call a professional water damage company, one that specializes in sewage issues. And down the road, getting a mold inspection in Long Port, N.J. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Devastating pipe breaks, failing sump pumps, a smoky kitchen fire, the roof leaking from damage from high winds… no one wants to deal with water damage in Long Beach Island, N.J. or any of that.
 
But it does happen, and when it does, you probably do what is natural – you pick up the phone and call your insurance company, most likely your insurance agent, who may direct you to anyone from a central call center to handle your claim, an insurance adjuster, or perhaps to a local disaster restoration contractor they know.
 
And then the fun begins.
 
You aren’t sure yet if you have coverage, because the insurance company is dragging its feet. The adjuster isn’t able to come out for a few days, something you can’t believe. You worry, fret, and wonder if the damage to your home will be covered, and if you will have to pay for some (or all?) of the damage. You know you have to cover the deductible, and that’s not cheap.
 
The work begins. Everyone is in a hurry because if the damage isn’t fixed right away, other issues will surface. The restoration contractor does what he is trained to do, and the work progresses nicely, and eventually all is well again at home.
 
A few days late, the adjuster shows up. And he delivers a devastating blow. While you have coverage, the cost to repair the damage is more than the insurance company feels is fair, so they will only pay a percentage of the costs. The rest? You have to pay for that yourself.
 
What can you do?
 
One thing is to get another opinion. Hiring an independent insurance adjuster to review the job, all the paperwork, and your insurance policy might shed light on the issue and give you more info you need.
 
Depending on the new information you receive, you can revisit the issue with your insurance company. Taking this information to the insurance adjuster who you are battling with probably won’t do much good. It’s time to go over his head, as the saying goes.
 
If the difference between the costs of repairs and the offer from the insurance company is high enough, you can also consider a claim to the state entity (such as the insurance commissioner) that has authority and power to help. Many claim to be subject to bad business practices. You might be advised to hire an attorney, all which will cost you more.
 
The good news is if you hire the very best disaster restoration company, they have the experience to help you deal with all of this. Also getting on top of the situation with a mold test in Long Beach Island, N.J. will save you in the long run. After all, it pays to call a pro!