What Is Water Damage?

Water damage is far more common than one would think. According to statistics, water damage and mold cost the insurance industry $2.5 billion dollars per year, and the average cost of a home water damage insurance claim is $6,965. About 14,000 people experience water damage in the US every single day. Historically, every single homeowner will experience this water damage at least once in their life, so it is important to understand what it actually is.

Water Damage – Wickliffe

Water damage is usually described as any possible loss that occurs from water intruding into a place it shouldn't be. It can be destructive in nature, as it can destroy possessions, home features, and structures. This water damage can come from internal forces like burst pipes or malfunctioning appliances or external forces such as overflowing rivers or heavy rains. With that being said, there are several categories of water damage that cause varying degrees of damage.

Clean Water Damage

This type of water damage is first on the list of water damage, so it is considered to be the least damaging. It is considered to be "clean" water damage because there are no contaminants present in the water, like sewage or chemicals. Additionally, it doesn't have an initial threat to a person's life if they are exposed to it. This water comes from a broken water supply line, melting ice or snow, and a toilet supply tank overflow or leak. If the water damage is cleaned up quickly, everything can be easily dried and restored.

Grey Water Damage

This type of water damage is in the middle of the list because it is more contaminated than clean water but not as dangerous as the next category. There are some health risks that come with Category 2, and it has the potential to cause sickness to those exposed to it. It can contain unsafe levels of contaminants. This kind of water damage comes from a dishwasher or washing machine overflow and toilet overflow that contains urine. Homes that are afflicted by grey water will need to be disinfected thoroughly to be safe again.

Black Water Damage

This last type is the most harmful to humans and can present major health problems to anyone near this water damage. It is known as black water and must be avoided at all costs. It includes extremely toxic contaminants such as sewage, seawater, as well as river and groundwater. Water like this carries harmful pollutants, which have huge, negative effects on the body if consumed or contacted. Unfortunately, anything porous, like furniture and wood items, that is damaged by black water damage will have to be removed from the home completely. The home will also need to undergo significant disinfection in order to safely reenter the area.

Professional Help

Water damage can pose a bigger threat than it may seem on the surface, especially if you have never experienced it before. When it comes to your home, it is an extremely overwhelming disaster to deal with and must be handled immediately to mitigate long-term or permanent damage. To avoid water damage becoming a bigger issue than it needs to be, take advantage of professional help accessible to you. Experts at Pine Ridge Restoration are always ready to help whenever you need it. You can have the peace of mind of a safe and sound home after they help you remedy the situation.