The Problem
When sewage began leaking into the kitchen ceiling of a care home in Cambridge, the incident quickly escalated into a potential health crisis. The contamination not only threatened food hygiene but also risked disrupting essential daily meal preparation for residents.
The kitchen is a bustling hub of the care home where residents depend on freshly prepared meals every day. Any downtime risked impacting wellbeing, staff operations, and regulatory compliance.
The sewage had entered a concealed ceiling void, seeping through modular panels above the food preparation area. This made the clean-up particularly complex. Not only did the visible surfaces need treatment, but hidden areas had to be accessed and sanitised to prevent lingering contamination.
Speed was of the essence. The longer the kitchen remained closed, the greater the operational disruption, and the higher the risk of reputational damage for the care home.
The Solution
We mobilised a two-person specialist decontamination team within hours of the initial call to start the sewage cleaning. On arrival, they worked swiftly but systematically to ensure the highest standards of hygiene were met.
- Extraction of contaminants: Standing water and sewage were removed using industrial wet vacs.
- Accessing the void: Modular ceiling tiles were carefully removed to reach and treat contaminated areas hidden from view.
- Thorough decontamination: Both the ceiling cavity and kitchen surfaces were treated with specialist cleaning agents to neutralise bacteria and pathogens.
- Air quality assurance: As a final safeguard, ULV (Ultra Low Volume) fogging was carried out to eliminate any airborne contamination and restore a safe environment.
This structured approach ensured that every trace of contamination was eradicated, allowing the care home to reopen the kitchen with complete confidence.
The Result
The entire project was completed in a single site attendance. By the following day, the kitchen was fully operational, allowing staff to continue preparing meals without interruption to residents’ care.
- Downtime minimised: The kitchen reopened within 24 hours.
- Safety guaranteed: All contaminated areas, including concealed voids, were fully sanitised.
- Peace of mind restored: Staff were reassured that the kitchen met strict food hygiene standards.
What began as a hazardous and disruptive incident was transformed into a swift recovery, preventing extended operational downtime and ensuring residents could continue to enjoy freshly prepared meals without delay.
Why this project stood out
This case highlights the importance of speed, precision, and expertise in emergency decontamination. By mobilising on the same day and working efficiently within a complex ceiling void, we not only restored the kitchen but also helped the care home avoid the significant disruption that could have followed.
For this Cambridge care home, it wasn’t just about cleaning up sewage, it was about protecting residents’ health, supporting staff, and safeguarding daily routines. Our rapid response and thorough approach delivered exactly that.
Sewage leaks can’t wait. Our certified decontamination team is available 24/7 and can be on-site within hours to restore safety, hygiene, and compliance. Request emergency assistance now.
