Everything to Know About Water Damage

 Water damage refers to the various possible losses due to water intrusions such as mold growth, bacterial growth, rotting of wood, swelling of composite lumber, rusting of steel, delamination of materials, and many others. The damage can be both minor and slow or catastrophic and instantaneous, such as in the form of flooding pipes and burst pipes.

Water damage causes significant property loss. Above all, water damage can also destroy your important documents, family possessions, and irreplaceable personal items. You can restore minor cracks in your property due to water damage through the do-it-yourself approach. However, significant damages can’t be repaired through the DIY checklist, and it requires a professional approach and standard machinery and tools.

Water damage professionals, first of all, identify the category of water damage. After that, they utilize their gathered information to customize it to provide you a timely and effective recovery. Here are the three water damage categories with their respective considerations:-

Category 1 or Clean Water

Category 1 includes water damage from overflowing sink, broken pipes, or rainwater. Also, the health risks associated with the water damage of class 1 is very low. It can be minimized to almost zero if you respond instantly. Water damages coming under category one escalates if you overlook its consequences and leave it unattended. If you leave the category one water damage untreated and unattended for more than 48 hours, it will expose you to various contaminants and health issues.

Category 2 or Greywater

Some familiar sources that discharge greywater include equipment discharge and chemical waste like laundry, soap, and detergent. Regarding health risks, the water damage coming under this category can expose you to the various contamination risks ranging from mild to severe. Besides, it can promote the growth of multiple microbes, which can become unbearable over time. Exposure to greywater, whether it is directly or indirectly, can affect not only your health but the property also.

Category 3 or Blackwater

The ideal examples of blackwater include sewer water or water containing oil, grease, urine, etc. This type of water hoards viruses, bacteria, and other toxic allergens that can make it contagious. While dealing with blackwater, it is mandatory to remain extra cautious and have next-generation tools. The chances of getting an illness or infection due to direct or indirect exposure to blackwater are very high.

Water Damage in Residential Areas

More than 40 percent of homeowners have often experienced various losses due to water damage. Also, such water damages in residential areas have contributed to spreading contamination, damaging your wood, and ruining the paints. However, more than 93 percent of such cases can be prevented with the correct approach, equipment, and right knowledge.

Here are ways that can help you to protect your home and your family from the water damages in residential areas:-

Home Appliances

Over time and exposed to regular uses, your appliances get older, resulting in rust in the pipes and weakening their hoses. Leaks in the dishwasher can leave an undesirable and dirty spill on the floor of your kitchen. Common causes behind it may include broken doors, worn gaskets, and clogged drains. All these can damage electrical wiring, tiles, and paint. You can run vinegar quart through your machine every month. Also, you can rinse and scrape it before loading. Usually, leaky hoses cause washing machines flooding, which can damage your home while getting worse over time. You can install the valve shutoff kit in your washing machine to prevent flooding due to water leak.

Refrigerators also produce water excessively and it can pool on the bottom and clog the drain lines. Make sure that your refrigerators are well insulated to prevent any flooding through your refrigerator.

Damaged Pipes

Plumbing systems are very much susceptible to damage and stoppages, particularly in older homes. Always look out for bulges, cracks, other signs of moisture on your floors and ceilings, and stains. If you have spotted any leak, it can be a sign of damage in some other areas. A sudden spike in your water bill can also be the most significant indicator of water damage. Look out for pipes in those areas prone to collecting huge water like cabinets, crawl spaces, and attics. Also, don’t forget to call the plumber when you spot any leak.

HVAC Units

Inspect and clean heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems of your home regularly to check for a leak. If there is any sign of an impending storm, then make sure to shut off the central air conditioning to prevent the risk of electrocution and damage.

Clogged Drains

Grease, hair, dirt, and other substances easily and quickly clog the sink and bathroom drain. Breaking down of pipes and structural damages are very much familiar in such scenarios. If the clogged gutters are left unclear and untreated, it can cause sickness and diseases and aggravate other health issues. You can use small screens to prevent unwanted materials and residuals from clogging drains. You can also pour boil water down your drains every month to dissolve soap scum, grease, and other gases.

Problems in Sump Pump

If your sump pump has stopped working suddenly, then it is indicating a significant flood in your basement. It will require you to deal with bacteria, mold growth, and water removal at a time. Make sure to clear the vent hole in the discharge pipe and make the sump pump standing upright. However, it is better to call a professional if your sump pump is causing any problem.

Structural Damages

Moisture can cause rotting and mold growth if it drips through the crawl and concrete spaces. You should check your home regularly to keep a check on these signs. Also, you can clean gutters and maintain your vegetation and trees. These actions will keep a check on undesirable water from damaging the foundation and your walls. Besides, you can install devices that are meant for flood control and detecting moisture. The users can install water pressure gauges to keep the water pressure even.

Source: Water Damage