4 Disturbing Facts About Water Damage
Protecting Your Home from Water Damage: 4 Key Points to Keep in Mind
Flooding is a prevalent issue for thousands of households across the United States every year. Burst pipes, ice dams, melting snow, and other weather-related disasters can cause significant damage, making repairs and mitigation expensive. Here are four things to be mindful of to prevent water damage:
1. Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours!
Mold needs three things to grow: oxygen, moisture, and organic material. In untreated areas with these factors, mold can start growing quickly. While not all mold types are toxic, some can be harmful to your health. You don't want dangerous strains like Aspergillus or Stachybotrys (black mold) growing in your home!
2. Even a small pipe crack can cause 250 gallons of water to spill each day!
A small crack, as little as an eighth of an inch, in a water supply pipe can lead to significant repair bills. Around 250 gallons of water can leak out in a day, which can be a nightmare to deal with!
3. Floodwater can be electrically charged and dangerous!
Even a few inches of water can reach outlets, power cords, baseboard heaters, and other electrical devices. When you notice unwanted water, try to turn off the electricity to the affected area as soon as possible. If you are unable to do so safely or the fuse box is in the affected area, contact your electric utility to disconnect the power to your home.
4. Even fresh water can become a biohazard over time!
When water sits stagnant for periods of time, it can develop harmful microorganisms and bacteria. Fresh water can mix with any pollutants that it comes in contact with so be careful when handling flood waters.
Water damage can be a nightmare for homeowners.
That's why it is essential to understand the different categories of water damage to prevent further damage to your home and protect your health. Water damage usually comes in three categories – clean, gray, and black:
- Clean water has no contamination and comes from clean sources like water supply lines, fresh rainwater, or tub overflows.
- Grey water has non-pathogenic contaminants that can still cause illness or discomfort. Examples of grey water flooding include washing machine overflows, aquarium water, and washing machine leaks.
- Blackwater has pathogenic contamination and is unsanitary. Sewage, chemical waste, and any water that has been sitting for more than 72 hours are all considered black water situations. If left unattended, clean water can turn into a pathogenic biohazard in only a few days.
With this information, you should be able to avoid common pitfalls of home flooding. If you find the water removal process too complicated to do yourself, consider seeking help from an expert!
It is important to take immediate action and seek help from a professional restoration company if you experience any type of water damage in your home. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to take measures to protect your home from water damage.
Mastertech Environmental is a Professional Water Damage & Flood Restoration Company. Click here to contact us:
