Water Damage Comes in all Types

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flood waters from the May 2019 Historical Oklahoma Flood

Water damage is two words that every home or business owner dreads hearing.

Water damage can originate by different sources such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, flood waters, groundwater seepage, building envelope failures (leaking roof, windows, doors, siding, etc.) and clogged toilets.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 13.7% of all water used in the home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks.

Water damage begins when intruding water, it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, mold growth, bacteria growth, rusting of steel, swelling of composite woods, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, etc.

The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as burst pipes and flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property.

Between May and June 2019, the Green County area saw historic widespread flooding along the Arkansas River basin and its tributaries, which includes the Grand and Verdigris Rivers. The flooding reached from Fort Gibson Lake area to the Grand Lake area. Towns affected in our territory were Locust Grove, Chouteau, Wagoner, Coweta, Salina, Spavinaw, Kansas, Rose, Langley, Adiar, Inola, Claremore, Pensacola and Disney.

Flooding in the Arkansas River basin caused an estimated $3 billion in damage and killed five people.

There are three basic categories of water damage, based on the level of contamination.

Category 1 Water - Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "clean water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.

Category 2 Water - Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Known as "grey water". This type carries microorganisms and nutrients of micro-organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

Category 3 Water - Known as "black water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, storm surge, ground surface water or standing water.

Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originates from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.

Remember that every water damage is different, each requiring a unique solution. Your SERVPRO® of Mayes and Wagoner Counties team will inspect the damage to your property, then access what steps need to be taken, then create a plan of action.

Remember that SERVPRO® works will all insurance companies and is the preferred vendor for most insurance companies.

As a business or homeowner, one of the most important parts of the process is determining where the water has come from.. Finding the cause and making sure that the leak is fixed is the first of many steps that need to be taken.

The Damage - If left unresolved water damage can cost the home or business owner thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

The Recovery - It is important to get our SERVPRO® team to the water loss as soon as possible to get the water removed swiftly.

• Our technicians use specialized equipment to target the water and use moisture sensing equipment to detect any wetness hiding where we cannot see.
• We will remove all the moisture from your property with air movers and dehumidifiers. Sometimes this may take a few days to complete this process.
• We will remove any damaged property such as carpet, cabinets, and appliances from the affected areas.
• We will also remove with care, any belongings such as furniture, clothing, and personal items that can be restored. We can clean and sanitize many of your restorable items.
• The restoration process could include major reconstruction, such as rebuilding. SERVPRO® can rebuild everything, from a room to a whole house or business.

SERVPRO® of Mayes and Wagoner Counties specializes in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration.

If you have any questions, call your SERVPRO® of Mayes and Wagoner Counites, 918-486-1055. 24/7 Emergency Response.  Always FREE Estimates for any job.