Water damage is a common problem in homes and commercial facilities, but sometimes it can be difficult to spot and only gets noticed when it has turned into a serious issue. If water damage is left unattended for a long time, it can degrade organic building materials and support mold development. Learn about water damage and its indicators from the experts of ServiceMaster by Reed.
Common Causes of Water Damage
- Appliance failure
- Clogged gutters and drains
- Natural disasters
- Pipe leaks
- Sewer backups
Categories of Water Damage
- Category 1 – clean water, or water that is safe for and is not a threat to humans. This type of water can come from faulty appliances or sink overflows.
- Category 2 – gray water. This indicates that the water is contaminated and could cause illness if consumed. This water is teeming with microbes. Broken toilets, sump pumps, and seepage all have the potential to create Category 2 water.
- Category 3 – black water. This type of water is unhygienic because it contains germs and other pathogenic microorganisms. Black water damage may be caused by sewage problems or contamination of standing water.
Classes of Water Damage
It’s also critical to determine the type of water damage while evaluating water damage restoration solutions.
Class 1
Class 1 is the least harmful. Materials absorb a negligible amount of water as a result of this form of damage. Water damage restoration is the easiest in this case.
Class 2
Due to its rapid evaporation rate, Class 2 may cause damage to carpets and upholstery. Water damage repair is more challenging.
Class 3
Class 3 evaporates at the quickest rate. In this situation, the water may have been soaked into the walls and furniture by damaged sprinklers or other above sources.
Class 4
Class 4 necessitates the use of specialized water repair and water removal techniques. This form of damage is particularly destructive to hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete.
Signs of Water Damage
Bad odors
- A musty or pungent odor that never seems to go away no matter how much you clean is often indicative of mold growth.
- Check areas that have been flooded or affected by a recent water damage event for mold, especially those located in dark, hidden areas with poor ventilation.
Discoloration
- Water leaking from pipes or other hidden sources of moisture can manifest as wetness or discoloration on walls or ceilings.
- Water can also cause discoloration on fabrics or furniture adhering to walls or floors near the source.
Deterioration of structural materials
- Peeling paint or the appearance of cracks indicate a leak or seepage. If these issues are ignored, it could result to extensive damage.
Swelling of floors
- Wood floors can bulge or swell due to long-term water damage weakening its structure.
- If standing water is not extracted immediately, wood floors can break apart and degrade.
Presence of standing water
- Standing water happens when an area has reached its water capacity. Standing water usually appears as a result of a large water event, such as bursting or broken pipes and heavy flooding.
Contact Us for Water Damage Restoration Services in Dothan, Alabama
ServiceMaster by Reed will immediately respond to your water damage emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (334) 712-1118. You may also message us through our online contact form.
- Certified by the IICRC
- State-of-the-art equipment and cleaning products
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Don’t know what to do next? We do. Contact ServiceMaster by Reed today. Visit us at 2830 Horace Sheppard Drive Dothan, AL 36303.
An independent franchise business licensed to serve you by ServiceMaster Restore®.