Water Categories and the Effects of Water Damage in the Gulf Coast

Water damage can devastate your home. Besides the obvious issues like flooding and moisture, you also have hidden dangers that must be addressed.

To help homeowners and experts restore a home safely after water damage, a classification was formed to denote the type of water damage and its severity. The more severe the water damage, the worse the contamination risk is for workers and residents.

Today, there are three types of water damage. Each one carries its own risk and degree of damage associated with the situation.

Types of Water Damage

As we said, there are three primary types of water damage: clean, gray, and black. Each one is worse than the last. You may be fine to handle clean water damage yourself, but gray and black water will require a restoration company’s help.

• Clean Water Damage – Clean water typically stems from rainwater or freshwater pipes bursting or leaking in your home. You generally have about 48 hours to properly clean this type of water damage before the situation escalates.
• Gray Water Damage – Gray water is slightly contaminated due to its typical sources, which include toilets, appliance overflows, and aquariums. The water may contain microbes and potentially hazardous materials. If you intend to begin the clean-up process, always wear gloves, a respirator, and tall boots.
• Black Water Damage – Black water is the worst of all three types. It stems from groundwater flooding and sewage backups and therefore contains countless bacteria, viruses, pesticides, chemicals, and other contaminants. You should never handle black water damage yourself. Leave the clean-up and restoration to the experts, who are equipped and trained to safely remove all standing water.

It’s important to note that despite the category names, the actual water damage in your home may vary in appearance. Black water damage may not actually appear dark, just like gray water can appear relatively clear. Don’t attempt to judge the safety of water damage on its appearance alone; call in experts to assess the situation.

Effects of Water Damage

Water tends to seep into every crack and crevice in your home. It will spread quickly, causing water damage to your materials, including flooring and walls, and your possessions. Many home items cannot survive extensive water damage. The materials must be disposed of afterward in order to avoid further complications.

Water damage is all-encompassing. What begins as a minor leak within your walls can quickly escalate to extensive (and expensive) property damage, health concerns, and mold growth. Improperly handled water damage will almost always lead to a fungal infestation. Then, you need to worry about indoor air quality, respiratory illness, and even more ruined possessions.

If you are dealing with extensive water damage in your home, call Restoration 1 of Gulf Coast. We provide the region’s top water damage restoration around the clock. Please call 228-231-9745 for 24-hour restoration services!