Water damage
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Water damage describes a large number of possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, growth, rusting of steel, de-laminating of materials such as plywood , and many, many others.
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 flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a very major contributor to loss of property.
Water damage is typically classified into one of the following three categories:
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 supplylines, 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 contaminantsand causes discomfort or sickness when exposed or even consumed. Known as "Grey Water". This type carries micro organisms and nutrientsof micro organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine(no feces), sump pumpfailures, seepage due to hydrostaticfailure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.
Category 3 Water- Known as "Black Water" and are grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteriaand fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affects the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, 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 for 48-72 hours 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.
Different removal methods and measures are used depending on the category of water. Water damage restoration can be performed by property management teams, building maintenance personnel, or by the homeowners themselves, however, it is best to contact a professional fire and water damage restoration specialist.
Protect yourself best by having property insurance, but in case of water damage, one needs to find a reliable fire and water restoration specialist. Bill Begal, president of Begal Enterprises, Inc. Fire and Water Restoration Specialists of Rockville, MD, cautions: “Don’t think it’s not going to happen to you." [1]
Begal was awarded the highest honor a restoration company can be bestowed in 2007, namely The Restoration Industry Association (RIA, formerly ASCR) Phoenix Award. This was for the June 2006 clean up and remediation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Washington DC.
In addition, Begal led major projects and teams of up to 150 people in Tampa, New Orleans and Miami after Hurricane Katrina as well as Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne, and Wilma.
