3 Must-Know Hazardous Types Of Water Damage & How To Remove Them
By: 911 Water Damage Experts
Depending on the type of water you are dealing with, there are different steps that you can take to protect yourself.
There are three different types of water damage that can pose a threat to your home and your family.
Let’s take a look at the threats you might be faced with and how to handle each situation before it gets to the point of no return.
In this article you will learn:
-What is water damage?
-What are the different types of water damage?
-How to remove each different type of water damage?
What Is Water Damage?
Water damage is caused by unwanted water invading your property in places where it should not be, causing water damage.
In some situations, this can be something caused by a burst main pipe or some water damage done to the floors.
In other cases, there is a build-up of water and moisture that leads to the creation of mould and bacteria.
This can lead to extensive damage to the property and can often end up in some damage to your health too.
This is why, if you happen to notice any damages made by water, you must act on it immediately.
What Are The Types Of Water Damage?
To determine the level of contamination and damage that was done to your home, you need to determine which type of water damage you are dealing with.
The higher the category is, the greater the risk it poses.
First Category Type Of Water Damage – Damage From Clear Water
Clean water will not create an immediate danger to your health.
This is a situation that is typically manageable and it is created by rainwater, melting snow, toilet holding tanks, or any appliances that can be found in the home.
Damage from clear water is considered easy to clean and it does not pose a threat.
However, if left unattended, it can lead to the growth of mould.
This can happen as fast as within the first 48 hours.
Second Category Type Of Water Damage – Grey Water
This is not sanitary water and it usually has some type of contamination in it.
The good thing is that it does not contain any fecal matter.
This is the type of water that comes from burst metal pipes, dishwashers, showers, bathtubs, washing machines, and sinks.
Make sure to wear proper equipment while removing it and keep all children and pets away from it.
Remember that if this type of water is digested, it will cause illness.
If the area that is damaged is large, then hire a professional to clean it up.
Do it within the first 24 hours so you can avoid the creation of mould.
Third Category Type Of Water Damage – Black Water
Black water is considered to be completely unsanitary.
This water is contaminated with toxic waste and human waste too.
Since it is highly contaminated, there are even some professionals that steer clear of it.
It harbors diseases, pesticides, and chemicals. Any contact that you might have with this type of water can lead to an illness.
This type of water can come from flush toilets, sewage pipes, dishwashers, food preparation sinks, and other sources.
Whatever it comes in touch with, is considered unsalvageable.
Just remember not to try to salvage the situation on your own!
How To Remove The Different Types Of Water Damage?
Before we proceed, there is one thing that you need to have in mind – the level of contamination of the water is not determined by the colour of the water, but by the level of bacteria, it contains.
So, once you are certain that you can successfully identify the three different water damages, you have just about enough time to figure out what the best approach is and to tackle the situation before any further damage happens.
Just note that you need to do this fast before any serious water damage happens.
Once you determine the source of the water damage, you need to get in touch with a professional.
Do a quick Google search for a water damage company near you that can service you within the same day or the next day.
Of course, once they arrive, they will have to make sure that there is only one water leak, and they will inspect the damage.
Depending on the extent of the damage, your chosen water damage company will make sure to remove all the water and fix all the damage in a fast and efficient way.
First Category – Water Damage From Clear Water
Extract, dehumidify, and ventilate.
This is how you can be sure that you have done a good job and have removed all of the excess water and moisture from the damaged area.
You may call a water damage restoration business to help you if the area is large and if you want to guarantee water damage restoration and mould prevention.
However, if it’s a small area you can try to do it yourself.
Second Category – Water Damage From Grey Water
It’s recommended you hire a professional water damage remediation and restoration company in this case, considering the level of health hazards.
They will make sure to drain the excess water from the area and then clean it thoroughly so there is no chance of any bacteria or mould spreading.
After this, they will need to dry the area thoroughly as well.
This is a delicate step of the process and it should be handled with care, by people who know what they are doing.
After the area is lean, any floor or drywall that is damaged needs repairing.
Third Category – Water Damage From Black Water
If you want to keep yourself and your home safe, then there is a certain set of rules that you need to abide by in this situation.
Hire a certified and qualified company that will help you achieve the best results possible.
They have to nurture your home back to health and get rid of all the health risks.
Note that the process of cleaning up this type of water can be lengthy and it requires patience and expertise.
If you have any questions about different types of water damage or water damage restoration feel free to call us at 1-833-WE-DRY-IT or chat with us in near real-time on our Facebook fan page.
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