The larger the affected area, the more time and money required to be repaired.
The amount of water involved impacts the extent of the damage. If you have more water, the risk of it spreading to the other parts of the house is high, thereby worsening the damage and adding up to the standing water already present.
For example, leaks from the toilet supply system can deliver 300 gallons per hour, while a washing supply line can let go of 600 gallons of water per hour. Large-volume leaks like these are extremely damaging.
Flood or leak water varies from clean to hazardous. The dirtier and more dangerous the water is the more precautions, treatments, and costs the repair will require.
Water Categories:
- Category No. 1: Clean water – no health risk (rainwater, water from sink overflows)
- Category No. 2: Gray water – slight health risk (chemically, biologically, or physically contaminated water)
- Category No. 3: Black water – significant health risk (water from sewer backups, flooding from rivers and streams, toilet overflows, and stagnant waters)
Water damage is the result of a variety of sources, including broken pipes, sump pump failures, or heavy rainfall, all which will affect the type of cleanup required.
- Blocked drains
- Clogged gutters
- Faulty appliances
- Leaking pipes and water heaters
- Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
- Natural events (flooding or hailstorms)
- Plumbing issues
- Sewer backups
If water is still present on-site, immediate removal should take place to prevent further deterioration in the area. Standing water is removed by using dehumidification equipment, moister absorbent materials, and water pumps. Excess moisture is eradicated to avoid mold growth and additional damage.
Materials have differing reactions when exposed to water. Some materials can be easily dried and recovered while others may have to be discarded and replaced.
Mold removal and remediation requires more time and money. The combination of standing water and mold poses severe health risks. Mold growth can begin in as little as 3 days and take root within weeks.
The cost of living and climatic humidity in an area affect recovery time and overall price of a water damage restoration. Because of this, hiring local remediation experts who understand the climate in the area is recommended.
