Did you know that there are over one million microorganisms in just one millimeter of wastewater alone? Many of these microorganisms are parasites that could cause serious health concerns if they enter your home. This article will explore some of the most common wastewater parasites and how you can prevent them from spreading.

What is Wastewater?

Wastewater is water that has been contaminated. This contamination can be due to multiple things, including human waste, chemicals, food scraps, and oils. Once the water is used, it will flow through your septic system and be stored in your sewer.

What Causes Wastewater Parasites?

Wastewater harbors many different diseases and parasites because it creates a comfortable environment for them to grow. These naturally occur and won’t usually spread unless your septic system is damaged or clogged.

Common Types of Wastewater Parasites

There are four main types of wastewater parasites: Nematodes, Ascaris, Trichuris, and Toxocara. These parasites form due to various reasons and remain in the sewer unless extracted. The parasites form in the wastewater due to different reasons but are generally found in it because of disease or poor soil management.

Are Wastewater Parasites Dangerous?

These parasites can be dangerous if you come into contact with them. They often cause bacterial diseases, such as gastroenteritis and salmonellosis. Some might also result in hookworm infections which could cause stomach pain, loss of appetite, and a fever.

Do These Parasites Spread?

Most of these parasites stay in the septic system. However, if there is a problem with the system, it will cause them to spread. For instance, if your septic system leaks wastewater into the ground, anyone who steps on the infected soil could track it around and in your home. You’ll also find that if there’s a problem with your water pipes it will make it easier for the wastewater to contaminate your drinking water.

In addition to this, if an insect touches wastewater and then crawls through your home, they could track the parasites through it.

How to Prevent Sewage Leaks

There are a handful of ways you can prevent home sewage leaks to keep these parasites away.

Quickly Repair Dripping Pipes: One of the best ways to avert sewage problems is to repair leaking pipes. If the pipes transport wastewater to the sewer, any punctures in them will cause wastewater to fall out. By ensuring the pipes are repaired, it will stop the water from dripping.

Watch What You Put Down the Drain: Many people pour food scraps or grease down the drain. While these might not cause a problem at first, it could lead to a pipe blockage. This will trap water and harbor bacteria.

Remove Nearby Trees: Trees near your septic system could spread their roots near the system’s pipes. These small roots are very powerful and will push their way into the pipes. This will create small holes that will allow wastewater to escape. Because of this, removing trees near the septic system might be worthwhile.

Wastewater parasites can cause harm if you don’t take careful measures to prevent them. Around Santa Rosa, CA RCS offers water extraction services that will quickly remove leaking water from your septic line to stop these pests from entering your home.