As far as destructive indoor disasters go, water is the most punishing substance with detrimental long-term consequences. Not only can it make the space temporarily uninhabitable, but it can also permanently affect structural integrity, resulting in unforeseeable future issues or costly repairs. When addressing water damage, the most imperative factor is time. The longer materials or structural elements are wet, the more likely they are to incur irreparable damage or harbor bacteria and mildew.

Contact a professional service right away to decrease the chance for mold and extensive restoration costs. The first 24 to 48 hours after a water incident occurs are the most crucial, which is why Hammond Cleaning Solutions offers 24-hour emergency service for residential and commercial property owners.

The Health Consequences Of Water Damage

If a building is rebuilt or remodeled before proper extraction methods are implemented, it may be more susceptible to mold, insect activity, and structural deterioration. Mold, in particular, can cause severe health complications. When touched or inhaled, sensitive individuals may experience standard allergic reactions or suffer from mycotoxins. Since it can only grow indoors when moisture is present, it is essential to ensure that materials are dried thoroughly.

Flowing water can also carry deadly pathogens, human and animal waste, or other organic contaminants. After Texas’s Tropical Storm Allison, people living in houses that had experienced flooding were four times more likely to suffer illnesses than inhabitants of homes untouched by the storm. Furthermore, the remaining water must be extracted before effective sanitation techniques can be employed. An experienced professional remediates the issue with specialized equipment, such as oscillating fans and a shop vacuum.

Classifications Of Water Incidents

There are three types of designations for incidents.

1. The first level, or Category 1, is clean water caused by sink overflow or a broken line. Though clean water can damage furniture and other indoor materials, salvaging items is usually possible, and the risk of contamination is relatively low.

2.  Category 2 water may not be clean, but it also isn’t deadly. It can be slightly contaminated by microbial growth and comes from sources such as storm drains, treated cooling water, and equipment discharge. Though cautionary measures should be taken, Category 2 water isn’t nearly as concerning as Category 3.

3. Also called dirty or black water, Category 3 is highly contaminated and bad news all around. Dangerous, dirty water comes from sewage, and likely contains some degree of bacteria, parasites, or infectious disease. It may even have toxic materials, and tainted items will likely need to be disposed of.

Professional Extraction and Restoration In Central Pennsylvania

Whether you are dealing with minor roof leaks and condensation or bursting pipes and sewer back-ups, water damage must be dealt with swiftly and carefully. Many of the illnesses that occur after flooding are contracted in the aftermath during clean-up. As such, proper equipment and preventive measures are of the utmost importance.

In most cases, the preferred option is to hire a professional restoration service to handle the delicate and unsanitary work for you. In addition to extraction, Hammond Cleaning Solutions’ technicians are trained in disinfection and sanitation to ensure that your residential or commercial space is indeed safe to occupy. Contact us today to learn more about our water restoration and extraction services.