The Hazards Of Water Damage

Water is probably the most potent destroyer when it comes to homes, and restoring a home from water damage takes seasoned and certified professionals. There are basically three categories of water damage that can cause damage to a home.

Water content that is relatively clear since the source is straight from water supply that enters a home is known as clean water. Clean water damage is damage that happens due to water pipes bursting, or tubs that have overflowed, or even appliances that have functioned badly causing a flood of water straight from the water source.

Clean water flooding is minimal for health risks, but this may be quite damaging to wood as the dampness can be absorbed to slowly cause rotting from within the wood grain. Laminate in plywood can peel shortly after a flooding incident, so these may need replacement soon after the event. Water spots may also be noticed but ignored, and these can cause dampness that encourages mold to grow, which in turn can gradually lead to health risks for those with allergies.

Water that can cause significant risks in health for humans is known as grey water that has biological bacteria, or physical microorganisms that are a potential health threat. Chemicals in water are also a great risk factor, and this type of damage is usually caused by failure of pumping systems or drainage systems from the regular toilet utilities - resulting in flooding as the water flows back out from the drainage tank. Other types of drain failures can be seen in back flow coming from washing machines and dishwasher units.

There are insurance policies that need to be amended to state that they have sewer and drain coverage before they will actually pay for these damages, and this means an added fee to the monthly premium. Once this is amended however, the policy holder can at least claim damages for such issues, especially since these things do happen in some homes, and it is best to get the additional coverage.

The final category, known as black water or category three, is the water that can cause severe health issues that can lead to serious diseases. Sources of this type of water usually stem from damaged sewage systems, rising water from rivers, seawater, and flood water caused by natural calamities.

The third category is also considered when water from the regular household drainage systems, as identified in category two, is left to stagnate after overflow for more than seventy two hours. This water, regardless of color, is then categorized as black water as the length of time that has passed may already cause harmful organisms to grow in the still water.

Health hazards do not necessarily show themselves during the time of water presence, and in fact these health issues may occur long after the damage has been done and already cleared. The dampness left behind by water is conducive to the growth of mold which may cause nasal allergies as well as airborne diseases, especially if they are left to grow inside vents. It is best to find professionals to remove mold and trace areas wherein they may grow in order to eliminate the problem while it is still in its early stages.

There are professional restoration specialists who offer clean up and restoration for areas that have been damaged by either water or fire, and these people are well trained as well as equipped to handle issues such as these. The cost of the service depends upon the extent of the damage, and usually the service itself is quick and efficient unless there are repairs that need to be done for severely damaged areas.