Understanding Water Damage Better

Understanding water damage requires a great deal more than just noticing you have some damage to your property. You must first find the root cause of the problem, then you can address the water damage cleanup.

The 3 primary classifications of water that cause damage are: clean water, gray water, and black water. As you might guess, black is the most toxic, gray is less toxic and clean is, well, clean.

One of the best tools for understanding water damage is your nose! It is remarkable how sensitive the sense of smell is to pick up the odors of mildew, mold, fungi, and bacteria. This odor is a symptom that you should not ignore. It is much easier to prevent a problem than fix it later on!

Clean water: Understanding water damage

Damage from clean water is usually caused by flooding rain water or broken pipes. As the name implies, clean water has no contamination and is not toxic. Nevertheless, clean water is quite capable of causing massive damage to home and property.

Then there is the issue of electronics, such as your iPhone, Blackberry, laptop computer, and cell phone. Many electronic devices have accidentally been dropped into toilets, sinks and ponds. It is extremely annoying to attempt repairing one of these devices, and sometimes it is not possible.

Helpful tip! Some people report success by refrigerating their iPhone or cell phone. You may be able to fix water damage to your iPhone this way, if you are lucky! Refrigerators operate by removing moisture from the air. Just remove the cover and battery and put everything in overnight. This doesn’t always work, but you have nothing to lose.

Gray water: Understanding water damage

Gray water is the result of using your clothes washer, dishwasher and sinks. This water only contains low levels of contaminants. Cleaning up with soap and water is normally sufficient, once you have removed the source of the problem.

Then there is the more extensive damage such as flooring, walls, ceilings and carpets. You should be able to find some good ideas for repairs, inspections, and other services.

Understanding water damage: Black water

Flood waters, backed up sewers and overflowing toilets cause black water. Because black water contains higher levels of contaminants, it is dangerous to your health and contact should be avoided.

Obviously, the problem is more severe with higher levels of contamination. So, no matter what type of water damage you experience, it is made worse by higher levels of contaminants.

A thorough clean up will reduce the chance of creating a health hazard, after you find the root cause of the damage. Normally, the use of anti-bacterial soap and water are enough to solve the problem.

Fungi, bacteria and mold

It is important not to overlook these damaging organisms, and this happens frequently. By overlooking these organisms you open the door for future health problems.

Bacteria, mold and fungi only need a suitable environment to continue to grow. Until their living conditions are changed, they will keep causing annoying odors and health side effects.

The effects of bacteria, mold and fungi can actually be severe enough to cause a house to be unfit for habitation. Unless the cause of the problem is addressed and remedied, demolition is the only solution.

It is not uncommon for families with respiratory problems to experience excellent health when they are away from home for an extended period of time. When they return home, the sneezing, headaches and other reactions return.

Sometimes the remedy for water damage can be as simple as a ceiling fan in the bathroom, yet there are other times when the solution is quite involved and expensive.

In any case, water damage to your home or office will only get worse if left untreated. The time and money used to prevent further damage is well spent, it only gets more expensive and complicated if left alone.