Are you trying to gauge the seriousness of the water damage in your home?
Dealing with water damage in your home can be overwhelming and stressful. Water damage can occur in a home due to a variety of different reasons. It can happen due to a small leak in the water pipe of a bathroom or due to a faulty roof during the rainy season. Water damage can also occur due to more sudden and uncontrollable causes like in the case of a natural disaster like a flood or storm.
Many homeowners are often unaware of the different types of water damages that occur in their homes. However, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with the different categories of water damage as this can help you gauge the seriousness of the problem. Having this knowledge will ultimately put you in a more well-informed position to tackle the problem.
Clean Water
The first category of water from water damage in a home is called clean water. This type of water is visibly clearer and less dangerous for a home. Clean water from water damage usually occurs in a home when a pipe, sink or tub starts to leak or bursts. The water from this source is fairly uncontaminated and, as a result, does not pose any serious health risks to the people who are exposed to it.
Although exposure to clean water itself is not risky at first, the effects of this water damage can still be detrimental for your home. Clean water can create moist conditions in a home which can lead to mold growth if left unattended. This is why it’s important to not delay the repairing of a leaking pipe or bath tub for too long.
Grey Water
The next category of water that we are going to discuss is grey water. As the name suggests, grey water is not visibly clear but noticeably dirty. Grey water is contaminated water which contains harmful bacteria that must be cleaned up as soon as possible. Leaving grey water to dry up on its own is a bad decision as it can cause a nasty smell and the spread of germs within your home. The source of grey water can be an overflowing dishwasher or washing machine. The important thing to note is that grey water is dangerous because it is contaminated so it should be cleaned properly and the problem should be remediated quickly.
Black Water
The last and most dangerous category of water from water damage is black water. This type of water is highly contaminated therefore it is dangerous to your home and its inhabitants. Exposure or consumption of black water can lead to serious consequences for a person. The source of black water is usually sewage lines or flood water from rivers or lakes. The cleanup and restoration process of black water must always be handled by highly trained professionals. Never try to clean black water on your own since it is full of toxins so this could be dangerous for your health.
Last Few Words
Knowing, understanding and being able to identify the different types of water damage can help you protect the interiors of your home and the health of the people who live in it. The category of water from water damage can also give you a rough idea of the estimated cost for repairs and restoration.