Dealing with Grey Water Damage

When taking care of your home, you may find that you have to deal with water damage. There are all kinds of water to deal with. You have to worry about rainwater, clean water lines, and sewage water lines. You also have to deal with faulty appliances that may break down and pour excess water that damages your home and your property.

Most grey water is categorized as the type that contains enough contamination that it could cause you or members of your family to get sick. The environment is perfect for microorganisms to grow. It contains chemicals, bacteria, fungal, and viral agents that can cause health problems if not dealt with properly. It is important to recognize what grey water is and how to properly deal with it as a homeowner.

Types of grey water range from overflows from water-based appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and air conditioners to toilet or sink water that doesn't contain raw sewage. In cases with a broken appliance, first make sure that the appliance is turned off. You may or may not need to call a plumber but you will definitely need to call for professionals with drying equipment. Rain damage is also considered grey water damage. If grey water enters your home through a broken or leaking drainpipe, immediately call a plumber. If the water is coming through the ceiling, make sure to shut of any light fixtures, and find ways of collecting the water with garbage cans or bowls until the plumber arrives.

To ensure the health of your family is not compromised, don't try to clean up the water yourself or enlist the help of your family either. When people deal with great water damage themselves, they usually contract a gastrointestinal disease. Although not life-threatening, can be extremely uncomfortable to deal with, especially when you've already got to deal with the damage.

After the source of the problem has been repaired, it's time to make sure that your home is completely cleaned and thoroughly dried. Any moisture left unattended may start developing mold, and that can be more of a health risk than the water. There are professional companies that have drying fans and other professional tools to dry out the area. Most carpet cleaning businesses have this equipment or you can call a specialist who knows how to deal with grey water.

Grey water damage can be difficult to prevent because you never know when an appliance may break or a drain line may burst. The best way to prevent against damage is make sure that appliances are properly installed and that they are used according to the intended purpose. As for drain lines, have them regularly inspected throughout the year in order to prevent possible damage.