There are a number of reasons that water damage may occur in a home or a building. Most people think of floods when they think about water damage. However, there are other causes as well including clogged toilets, sewage backups, cracks in the foundation, moisture getting behind the walls of the home, appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers overflowing, sinks overflowing, and pipes starting to leak.
It does not take long for an entire home to be flooded with water. Damage can be done to the floors, drywall, ceilings, and even your personal property. When water starts to flow into a home the damage can happen quickly and wreak havoc on the entire home. While some water damage can be managed on your own, there are times when calling a water damage clean-up service is recommended.
Categories of Water Damage
When it comes to water damage there are three categories that define the type of damage that has occurred. The category of the water damage will determine which type of water damage restoration will be used by the water damage clean-up service.
The first category is called white water or clean water. This is when freshwater that is pumped into the home causes the damage. This type of damage typically occurs when a sink or tub overflows or if the water supply lines become broken or damaged. A hose to a washing machine or dishwasher or a faucet that becomes damaged may cause category one water damage. Clean white water is not harmful to people, but if the issue is not taken care of right away a category one can quickly escalate to category two.
The second category is typically called gray water. This is wastewater that comes from bathtubs and sinks or is discharged from dishwashers and washing machines. Gray water also includes wastewater that has not been in contact with human waste. Category two water damage occurs when an appliance malfunctions and floods the home. The gray water is often contaminated and can pose some health risks. If this type of water damage is left untreated for more than 2 days, mold and bacteria will quickly grow, which can cause the level 2 water damage to become a level three.
The final category or level three is called black water. Sewage is the most common source of black water. This type of water also happens during a flood because of the potential chemicals, fertilizers, bacteria, and other contaminants that are found in these waters. Blackwater is extremely unsanitary as it has a number of toxins and disease-causing organisms.
Water Damage Clean Up Service
When it comes to a water damage clean-up service, every case is different and requires different levels of safety. While most people will be able to safely and effectively clean up a small white water issue if gray or black water levels of flooding occur it is recommended that you call water damage clean up service. Blackwater can be extremely dangerous and should only be dealt with by professionals.
There are several services that most water damage clean-up companies will offer. Some of these services include:
- Water extraction
- Floor drying
- Structural drying
- Water damage restoration and water damage repair
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Sewage clean-up and remediation
- Mold inspections
- Mold remediation
- Odor and stain removal
- Content drying and cleaning
If you have any type of water damage in your home it is a good idea to contact a water damage clean-up service for help. Water damage can be tricky as often you will think that you have solved the problem only to find out that water has leaked into other areas of the home and is causing further damage. Contacting a professional right away can save you money in the long run.
When you are in need of a water damage restoration company in Jupiter, Melbourne, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Vero Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, or Wellington FL or in Asheville, NC contact Secure Restoration.
