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Water damage is a very common issue homeowners regularly have to deal with. Water damage isn’t to be taken lightly since it’s detrimental to your house if left untreated. Understanding the different classes of water damage and severity of water damage is necessary to take the right course of action to fix it. The severity and type of damage influence the fixing procedures. Here is a comprehensive guide detailing water damage to homes.
Clean Water Damage
The first water damage is clean water damage. Clean water damage is caused by water from leaky pipes, sink overflows, or rain. This water is clean and does not pose any threat to humans. It is relatively easy for homeowners to take care of water damage caused by clean water. Drying the damaged parts will address the issue.
Greywater Damage
Next is greywater damage. Contaminated water containing bacteria that could cause harm to the human body is categorized as greywater. This water comes from broken sink pumps and toilets. While you can dry the damaged areas, disinfection might be required to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants from the greywater.
Black Water Damage
Lastly, there is black water. This water is highly dangerous to humans. It is unsanitary and contains immense amounts of contaminants and bacteria. Issues with your sewage system could cause leakage of black water. It is best to call a professional to deal with this water damage.
Class 1 Damage
The least harmful and easiest to recover from. Very little water is absorbed with this damage, so drying the damaged area using fans will fix the problem.
Class 2 Damage
Characterized by fast evaporation rates, meaning carpets, cushions, and other absorbent materials might be damaged. It is hard to repair class 2 water damage, especially if it is caused by contaminated or black water. You might need to replace the damaged material since drying and disinfecting won’t be efficient.
Class 3 Damage
The rate of evaporation is very high. A fast evaporation rate means drying will repair the damage. An instance of class 3 water damage would be walls and furniture soaked in water due to leaky sprinklers or overhead water sources.
Class 4 Damage
The hardest to treat and requires special water restoration and removal procedures. Porous materials like wood and floorboards will need to be inspected for hidden moisture. You might have to get the damaged parts replaced.
To summarize, there are three main classes of water damage: clean water, greywater, and black water. Clean water damage is caused by clean water sources like failed plumbing fixtures or overflowing sinks. Greywater damage is caused by slightly contaminated sources like washing machine overflow or toilet backups. Black water damage is caused by highly contaminated sources like sewage or floodwaters.
If you experience any water damage in your home, it’s important to call a professional restoration company right away. We have the training and experience to quickly assess the situation and immediately develop a plan to restore your home to its pre-damage condition. We also have the proper equipment to handle even the most severe cases of water damage. Contact us today.
Understanding the class of water damages is essential to facilitate proper action to fix the issues. You should consult a professional for help, but understanding the basics is important. Keep our guide in mind while treating water damage to your home to ensure quick and efficient solutions.
