Have you ever come home after a long day at work to find your kitchen or basement flooded with water? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that 98% of basements in the US will have some type of water damage during their lifetime. So what causes water damage? And what can you do to prevent it?

What Causes Water Damage?

Water damage can be caused by a variety of things. Southern Maryland Painting and Drywall is equipped to deal with water damage from any source. If you’ve been in any of the following situations that can cause water damage, call us. We can help!

• Leaking plumbing, appliances, water heaters, etc
• Bathtubs, sinks, or toilets overflowing
• Flooding due to storms, tornadoes, tropical storms, or thunderstorms
• Sewage backups
• Basement Flooding
• Flooding from firefighting efforts

What are the Categories of Water Damage?

Category 1 involves clean water. Clean water isn’t contaminated with sewage or toxins. This type of water damage is usually caused by an overflowing appliance or a broken water supply line. This category is the least harmful. A homeowner’s property can usually be dried out without any lingering health hazards.

Category 2 involves grey water. Grey water has a certain amount of contaminants in it that can be harmful. It can cause skin irritation and even make people sick. Anything sustaining damage from grey water should be thoroughly disinfected before it’s used again.

Category 3 involves the worst type of water, black water. This water is so contaminated with toxins, pathogens, or other harmful elements that it carries a serious health risk. That can include toilet backflows, sewage, and damage from tropical storms.

What Can You Do to Prevent it?

• Get your toilet and water heated inspected by a plumber regularly.
• Make sure everyone in your house knows where the shut-off valves are so a leak can be quickly stopped.
• Pay attention to any hoses on your appliances and replace them as soon as they start showing signs of wear.
• Have a good sump pump and backup sump pump system in your basement.

How Can You Figure Out if You Have a Leak?

Does your home have a leak? Here are a few things to look out for if you’re concerned. Check if there has been a sudden and unexpected increase in your water bill. You can if your home has a leak by pausing water usage for two hours. Read your meter before and after. If the readings are different, you probably have a leak. It’s a good idea to use automatic water shutoff systems and water leak alarms to help you catch leaks fast.

If you notice any small leaks in your home, it’s best to fix them immediately. This will prevent water loss and water damage down the road. And it’s a much cheaper and easier fix.

What to Do During a Water Loss

If it’s possible and if it won’t put you at risk, turn off the source of the water. Immediately call for professional help! The quicker a water loss can be assessed and dealt with, the less damage there will be. Don’t enter a room with standing water if there may be electrical hazards present. A professional water remediation team should be able to deal with the water loss safely and effectively.

At Southern MD Painting and Drywall, our first priority is the health and safety of you and your family. Then, using the right equipment, procedures, and protective gear, we work to recover your home and your possessions.

You can avoid many water loss and water damage issues by taking preventative measures, checking for leaks, and acting quickly when a minor leak is detected.