Understanding Water Damage and Its Effects

Among the problems that home and property owners fear the most is water damage, and this is for good reason. It is not only costly to fix. It also exposes your entire household to health hazards. The risk of water damage heightens every time there is a heavy downpour, or when snow melts fast.

Effects of Water Damage

Excessive water can trigger significant losses to homes and properties. These damages can easily amount to thousands of dollars. Water can affect electronic devices, upholstery, wood furniture, plumbing equipment, and various home appliances.

In many cases, water-damaged furniture, fixtures, and appliances are left beyond repair. You may be forced to discard these items and replace them with new ones when your home is flooded.

Water damage likewise escalates the risk of mold infestation. When it happens, it can be very expensive to remediate. Mold also poses grave health hazards.

Addressing the Effects of Water Damage

When your home suffers from water damage, immediate cleanup is a must. While you can do the cleanup on your own, getting the services of water damage restoration specialists can make the entire cleanup process more manageable and faster.

These companies are manned by experienced staff who are trained on the best techniques in handling damaged items. They also provide assistance in the cleanup process.

By initiating water damage cleanup at the soonest time possible, you increase the chances of saving your water-soaked rugs, carpets, clothing, furniture, and other household items.

Water Damage Health Hazards

As mentioned, immediate cleanup is necessary after sustaining water damage. This will help lessen the health hazards posed by water damage to members of your household.

Moisture allows mold and other organisms to thrive. Exposure to mold may worsen asthma symptoms and allergies. This is particularly true for kids as well as for people with weak immune system. Respiratory ailments and other medical conditions may also result from mold infestation.

Causes of Water Damage

Numerous causes may be responsible for water damage. These include clogged toilets, leaky dishwashers, broken dishwasher hoses, broken pipes, leaky roofs, plumbing leaks, foundation cracks, and overflowing washing machines.
Floods, heavy rains, and snow also contribute to water damage as they can cause flooding in your basement.

Categories of Water Damage

Assessment of the extent of the damage is crucial to determine the right steps for water removal and damage repair. Water damage falls under two main categories. These are:

•   Category 1 – This category pertains to clean water that doesn’t pose dangers to human health. Possible Category 1 causes include sink overflows or broken plumbing appliances.

•   Category 2 – Also referred to as gray water, Category 2 water damage involves contaminated water that may cause illness if ingested. Gray water contains microorganisms like bacteria. Possible causes include standing water contamination, and sewage problems.

Water damage should never be taken lightly. Once it happens, immediate cleanup must be done. This will help minimize the risk of mold infestation and various health hazards. You may need the help of water damage remediation companies, depending on the extent of the damage to your home.

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