How to Deal with Black Water Damage

If you home sustains water damage, it can be devastating. Property is irreversibly harmed. The structural integrity of your home can be compromised. If the damage is extensive, your health may even be at risk. It is important to know how to properly deal with all kinds of water, especially working water that is hazardous. Clean water is categorized as the least offensive as it contains little to no bacteria. Grey water has the potential to cause minor health problems that generally are more inconvenient than anything. The last type of water must be approached with extreme caution.

Black water is the worst kind of water a homeowner may have to deal with. It contains so much contamination that not only can you contract a virus, you could be dealing with potentially fatal bacteria, chemicals, or fungal agents. If a sewage line in your home breaks or a toilet or sink backs up with raw sewage contained in it, there is no task you can do before calling in a professional plumber. The very first thing to do is call in a professional right away.

If the damage is from a flood, you will need to call in professionals to properly deal with the harm. Floodwater is also considered black water. This kind of water damage can be something as simple as ground water coming into your basement, to a river overflow that sends significant water into your home. This water contains excess organic matter and may also contain substances such as pesticides, metals, or other toxic substances. If a flood has occurred, you will most likely need to leave your home until the moisture is completely eradicated and professionals have cleaned everything.

If any member of your family has a compromised immune system, asthma or other respiratory problems, or id they have allergies, they should leave the house. This can help protect them against anything harmful in the black water. Very young or very old members of your family should be treated the same. Regardless of whether the problem is small or extensive, it is best to take every precaution when dealing with this kind of water.

There is only so much you can do to prevent or prepare for black water damage. For families with septic systems, make sure that everything is in working order so that you are at less risk for a backup. If you are tied to a city water system, make sure that you only flush biodegradable matter and never use sink drains for fats and oils. This will help maintain your sewerage plumbing. You can also have your plumbing regularly inspected. Basements can be sealed so that groundwater cannot enter your home through cracks and other compromises. In the case of a flood, if you think you may be at risk, make sure that you have insurance coverage in case of an emergency.