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How Bad is Water Damage?

How Bad is Water Damage?

Water damage is a problem that every home and business owner dreads. When it rains or snows heavily, the risk of this type of damage increases. Worst of all, water damage can result in thousands of dollars’ worth of destruction by damaging upholstery, electronics, wood furniture, appliances, plumbing, and more. 

Keep reading to learn about the causes of water damage. 

What Causes Water Damage?

Leaky dishwashers, broken pipes, clogged toilets, fractured dishwasher hoses, overflowing washing machines, and leaky roofs are all common causes of water damage in both homes and businesses. Furthermore, floods that form as a result of heavy rain and snow are other leading causes of this type of damage, particularly when they seep into basements. Cleaning up water as soon as possible increases the likelihood of saving furniture, carpets, clothing, and other valuables.

Learn more about the different categories of water damage down below. 

Categories of Water Damage

Assessing the severity of the damage should be your first step so that you can determine what you have to do to start repairs. Here are the three categories of water damage:

Category 1: This category refers to clean water, which doesn’t pose a threat to inhabitants of the building. Possible causes of this type of damage include broken appliances or overflowing sinks. 

Category 2: The water that falls into this category is known as grey water because it’s contaminated and may cause sickness due to microorganisms living in it. Broken toilets, sump pumps, and seepage can cause this type of damage. 

Category 3: The water that falls into this category is known as black water because it’s unsanitary and contains bacteria and other organisms that result in illness. Sources of black water include sewage problems as well as the contamination of standing water. 

Water Damage is Hazardous to Your Health

Excessive moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms, increasing the risk of serious health problems. Although being exposed to a small amount of mold won’t be detrimental to your health, this substance spreads rapidly. One patch of mold can grow into multiple patches in a matter of weeks, which can cause respiratory problems. 

Moreover, people with asthma and allergies may experience intense reactions to repeated mold exposure, including shortness of breath, fevers, and other health conditions. 

Here are the two most dangerous types of mold:

Pathogenic molds: This type of mold can result in different types of infection, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. It can result in pneumonia and cause fungus growth in the lungs of compromised individuals. 

Toxigenic molds: This variety of mold is dangerous because it can produce mycotoxins, which can cause adverse health effects in healthy individuals. Possible reactions from this type of exposure include immunosuppression and cancer. 


RestoreMasters Can Help

As you can see, repairing water damage fast is of the essence. Sadly, mopping it up won’t do the trick—especially if you’re dealing with a flood. RestoreMasters specializes in repairing homes and businesses that have been damaged by water, as well as mold remediation. We service Weber, Salt Lake, Utah, and Summit Counties, and all the areas in between. Contact us today for more details.

 

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