Water damage is one of biggest concerns of losses of property. Either the case is a minor and persistent leak or a burst of a pipe and flooding, water can damage the structural integrity of a home by rusting the steel, rotting the wood and drywalls, damaging the electrical system and plumbing, mold and bacteria growth, and swelling and unraveling lamination. Once the water weakens and rots the wood, the walls possibly collapse.
There are 3 main water damage categories based on the level of contamination:
- Category 1: or called “clean water” is caused by a leak or pipe burst of a clean water source such as tap water, sink overflow or from appliances which use clean water supplies.
- Category 2: is the water leak from a contaminated source with a significant degree of chemical and biological contamination such as toilet bowls and dishwasher machine. This category is called “grey water” and causes discomfort and sickness when exposed to.
- Category 3: known as “black water” is grossly unclean which contains harmful fungi and bacteria that are unsanitary and cause severe discomfort or illness. This category includes water sources from sewage, salt water, rising water from rivers or streams, storm surge, ground surface water or standing water. Toilet back flows that originate outside the trap are considered black water contamination. It is possible to reclassify grey water as Category 3 water if it is not removed from the structure immediately or if it has remained stagnant.
Property managements, building maintenance staff, or the homeowners themselves can restore water damage; however, contacting a certified and professional water restoration expert is many times viewed as the most secure method to restore water damage. If you have concerns about a hidden leak or have a major water damage call us for a free consultation before it’s too late!