Does a Pipe Leak in My Home Cause That Much Damage?

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

Bursting pipes in your home can cause a lot more damage than you think. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for professional remediation services.

Pipes Breaking or Defective Home Appliances in Your Raleigh Home Can Cause Extensive Damage

Believe it or not, a pipe bursting, or a water line from a toilet breaks, your Raleigh home can become flooded quickly if unnoticed. A broken water pipe can leak out up to 160 gallons or more per hour. Pipes can freeze and burst, break from age, or appliances may falter, causing excessive water in your home, potentially causing a great deal of damage.

Does the Source of the Water Matter?

Water Sources Are Critical in Determining Contamination Levels in Your Raleigh Home

Technicians determine water removal procedures for your Raleigh home based on several factors, including the water contamination levels. Contaminated water creates a set of unique challenges and can cause dangers to human and pet health. Water that comes from an unflushed toilet needs to be removed with the appropriate protective gear, while clear water coming from a dishwasher may not require the same amount of care.

What are the Different Categories of Water?

Clean Water (Category 1): Treated, non-contaminated water may have come from a broken appliance or overflowing bathtub or sink. The easiest way to think of category 1 water is that it is unused and does not cause potential harm to other humans.

Gray Water (Category 2): Used water with waste products but does not have human waste. An overflowing toilet without solid waste is considered gray water. 

Black Water (Category 3) Water containing human waste or water that has moved across the soil, such as floodwater. Blackwater is not necessarily black but considered contaminated.

How is the Cleanup Handled Differently for Each Category?

Category 1: Standard removal with extraction equipment, carpets and pads typically do not require replacement.

Category 2: Since it does not usually carry the threat of disease, however, technicians use PPE (personal protective equipment) and place emphasis on antimicrobial cleaning. Carpets and pads must be thoroughly cleaned.

Category 3: Technicians wear full PPE gear and often require that residents and pets vacate the home throughout the cleaning procedures. Carpets need replacement.

For 24/7 assistance with water removal, contact SERVPRO of Cary / Morrisville / Apex at (919) 615-1160. 

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