There are three categories of water damage. The first category, clean water damage, is relatively simple to manage. There are no contaminants and cleanup is straightforward. Then, you have category two, which is gray water damage. This category stems from appliance leaks. With mild contamination, the situation can escalate quickly and requires an experienced team to handle.
Lastly, we have category three water damage: black water damage. It’s the worst of all three. Black water is highly contaminated and stems from groundwater flooding or a sewage backup in the home. The ensuing damage is contaminated with microbes, bacteria, and viruses.
You cannot handle black water damage solo. You need a water damage restorationteam on-site immediately.Simply put, black water damage is essentially sewage. According to the IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500), black water is “sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing into homes.” For example, if your toilet overflows with waste inside, the ensuing water damage would be highly contaminated and deemed black water. The same goes for a burst sewage pipe or groundwater flooding in the streets.
Black water is deemed hazardous for a reason. Both people and animals can become severely ill by consuming black water droplets and through dermatological contact. Black water is never potable. You cannot drink it and should avoid getting any in your mouth at all costs.
There are numerous diseases and illnesses associated with black water exposure. These include, but are not limited to, hepatitis, cryptosporidiosis, gastroenteritis, giardiasis, leptospirosis, and severe infections. Some symptoms you may experience after exposure include fever, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, and chills.
Water damage is a relatively common occurrence. In many households, an old plumbing system may eventually burst, depositing many gallons of water onto the floor or inside the walls. However, this water damage is relatively uncontaminated.
When dealing with serious contamination, the only solution is to call a local restoration company. These technicians have the proper equipment and procedures to handle black water damage. Here’s how they do it:
If you find yourself facing black water, evacuate the property immediately and call Restoration 1 of Morris County. We are the leading provider of water damage restoration in the area.
For guaranteed cleanup results, please call 973-668-7030today!
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