The threat posed to your home by fire, termites, and wind is obvious, but unless you live in a flood zone the threat posed by water is oftentimes much less obvious. Water damage happens subtly, and too often homeowners aren’t prepared for the consequences. Water damage can occur in a number of ways, at any time, and can have long lasting effects for both property and those that live in water damaged property.
There are three categories of water damage, beginning with category one. This category represents “clean water” and does not pose a health hazard to humans. This kind of damage can occur when a pipe breaks or when an appliance malfunctions and the intake line is broken, such as a broken pipe leading into a dishwasher or washing machine. This kind of water damage is relatively easy to repair because it is isolated and can be treated by correcting the broken item.
The second category of water damage poses a small but real threat to human health. This kind of damage can arise from so-called “gray water,” water contaminated with chemicals or with biological material or microorganisms. This can refer to a sump pump failure, or spillover from an un-flushed toilet or an operating dishwasher.
The third category is highly dangerous. This type of water damage is referred to as “black water” and can come from sources with heavy microorganism or fungal infestation, such as raw sewage, river or ocean floods, standing water, or ground water. Contact with this type of water can make an individual very sick.