If you are a homeowner, then the signs of water damage will likely make you very worried. Unfortunately for homeowners, water damage is not always easy to spot. Often, signs only become noticeable when the effects of water damage are already irreversible. Knowing more about common signs and categories of water damage enables you to better spot and treat potential causes.
Why is Water Damage such a Big Deal?
Water damage can have a number of different effects depending upon the scale and form of damage you are dealing with. Water damage can cause structural problems to your home if a leak occurs under your floors or behind your walls and is not discovered for some time. A source of water damage can cause the wood in your home to develop rot and mold if it is left untreated. These two examples are only a few of the ways in which water damage can affect your home. The examples show how the consequences of leaving water damage untreated can lead to a series of hygiene, sanitation, aesthetic, structural, and even health problems for occupants.
The effects of water damage can be varied and very severe, which is why you should act quickly. Knowing who to call can be of huge assistance to homeowners facing the effects of water damage. For example, your problems will be solved with water damage restoration Phoenix who offer emergency remediation services.
What Are Some Common Causes for Water Damage?
Understanding what some of the most common causes of water damage are can enable you to more effectively spot and prevent the signs of water damage. Some of the most common causes of water damage include:
- A burst pipe
- A leaking pipe
- A backup drain
- An overflowing sink, toilet, or bathtub
- A leak in water using the appliance
- A leak in the roof
- a leak in the widow
What are the Categories of Water Damage?
Water damage is usually broken down into a series of different categories, understanding which category your water damage fits into allows you to more effectively treat your problem.
- Clean Water
Clean water damage stems from a sanitary water source, such as a faucet, shower, or toilet tank. It is vital that you act quickly to stop clean water damage from escalating into another category of water damage.
- Grey Water
Greywater is a form of water that has been contaminated, and this type of water could stem from a washing machine or a dishwasher. Greywater can cause illness or discomfort if it is ingested.
- Blackwater
Blackwater is a completely unsanitary source and can cause a range of severe illnesses and even death if it is ingested. Blackwater damage might stem from a series of different sources, such as flooding, a build-up of standing water, or a sewer backup.
The severity of water damage is also evaluated on the basis of different classes. The classes for water damage go from class one to class four. Class one is the least severe, as the water damage has only affected materials that have a low level of permeability, such as concrete. Class two water damage will affect a whole room and can leave lasting damage. Class three occurs when water builds up in the foundation of a property. Class four is found when large pockets of water have built up in hardwood or concrete, or other permeable substances.