Water Damage and the Need for Professional Remediation

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can vary in contamination levels. The information here presented can be really helpful if you experience this problem.

Before wading into a flooded basement, street, or property, it is necessary to understand the potential dangers of such actions. Floodwater can contain several contaminants, including:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Chemicals
• Biological agents

Before you decide to perform a DIY restoration, contact a restoration service in Ogden, UT. The company can send out qualified professionals to test the water and determine what precautions are necessary to protect both people and property.

Important tips to consider as regards Water Damage

Understanding Water Damage Categories

Every flood is not created equal. Water can become contaminated in various ways, and some forms of contamination are toxic to people and pets.

Professionals use a straightforward classification system to determine water's danger or contamination level. The designation will often correspond to the remediation's difficulty level.

Water loss with the quickest recovery time is category one because it is clean and represents the least risks. However, even category one water damage can evolve into more complex and dangerous categories.

A knowledgeable homeowner will consider the source of a flood to help them evaluate potential solutions. However, a professional is the best solution in most water loss situations.

3 Categories of Damage

Category one water damage is clean water and typically comes from a supply line. In most cases, category one damage is controlled and manageable without the need for professional remediation. However, when it involves a pipe break, the flooding can become extensive, in which case, time is of the essence, and professional interventional might be required.

Category two damage is often referred to as gray water. Gray water is slightly contaminated and can lead to illness if ingested. This type of water contamination usually occurs when clean water seeps through a ceiling to another floor or comes into contact with chemicals or other contaminants on the floor.

Category three water damage is considered the most dangerous. It is called black water. Water in this category is highly contaminated with viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and other biological substances.

Black Water and Its Risks

Because black water is highly contaminated, it is considered a significant health risk. People can become ill by simply coming into contact with the water.

If your home is declared a category three-site, it is best to relocate while recovery operations commence. A qualified remediation team will remove the water and disinfect the property. They will wear full PPE, ensuring their safety.

Category three water damage is not a DIY project. It is necessary to hire a qualified restoration service to avoid any property issues. While the damage can be costly, saving a dollar is not worth risking your or your family's health and wellbeing.

Water damage can vary in contamination levels. The higher the category number, the more dangerous the water. While DIY methods are tempting because of the potential of cost savings, they are not recommended, especially when water damage meets category three standards.