Understanding The Threats of Water Damage

With the wild weather nature has been throwing at humanity over the past few years, there are many homeowners finding themselves dealing with a threat they might never have suspected: water. Rising tides, massive storms and monster floods have made water damage to homes an expanding threat in many regions around the United States. Thus it is important for homeowners to understand the risks posed by this seemingly benign element.

Intruding water is generally classified by the quality of the water that perpetrates the damage:

Category One – This is water that is not inherently dangerous to humans and is generally referred to as “Clean Water.” This category includes water that would normally be safe for human consumption such as from water supply lines or sinks and tubs. This sort of damage usually occurs due to a rupture in a line or an overflow incident.  It also includes melted snow or rain, although depending on the environment these may be classified in a higher category.

Water damage at this level poses no risk to the health of human beings, but is equally as damaging to property, and if the problem goes untreated for long enough it may be upgraded to level two or three.

Category Two – This category includes water that has been mixed with or exposed to minor contaminates making it unsafe for human consumption. Likely sources of this level of water damage are toilet overflow (containing only urine), aquarium spills or leakage, sump pump breakdown, or overflow from dishwashers or clothes washing machines. This category is referred to as “Gray Water.”

Water damage at this level poses health risks to people and pets, and will likely cause significant damage to furniture, flooring and walls. The contaminates contained in this “gray water”will quickly give rise to foul odors, mold and can quickly become toxic if it left unattended to.

Category Three – Referred to by professionals as “Black Water,” this category of water damage is highly toxic and should never be interacted with by humans without proper training and protective gear. This water is mixed with toxic contaminates like feces, heavy metals and potentially dangerous organic substances. This type of exposure is usually caused by sewage, rising water from flooded rivers or streams, sea water, or backed up septic tank systems.

Water damage in this category poses a serious threat to humans and animals. The water likely contains pathogens and toxins inimical to large mammals like ourselves which can be inhaled, absorbed or ingested with minimal exposure and should be dealt with immediately by expert water damage restoration services.