Your Black Water Damage Problem in Summit County

The average homeowner might not know this, but there are levels of water damage. It’s not so simple as a burst pipe spewing water into your basement. That water, depending on where it comes from, may have varying levels of contamination. If it’s clean water damage, or category one, then you’re in luck. The cleanup and restoration process is relatively straightforward. But, if there is any sort of contamination, including bacteria or sewage, then you’re looking at what is known as black water damage. Black water, or category three water damage, is highly contaminated and potentially harmful to your health and home. It is not the type of damage you want to handle. Always call in a local restoration company.

Black water damage – the worst type of water damage – is highly contaminated due to its sewage content. Typically, black water stems from either groundwater flooding, in which an overflowing sewer can lead to contamination along with river water or sewage backups. If a pipe in your home is faulty, the ensuing backflow can lead to excess bacteria, contaminants, and virus-causing organisms inside of your home.

According to the IICRC classifications, the leading authority on black water damage, black water is “sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, [and] ground surface water flowing into homes.” For a real-world example, say a toilet filled with human waste overflows onto the bathroom floor. The ensuing water damage would be considered black water.

We speak of the high levels of contamination found in black water damage, but the reality is often far worse and more damaging to your health. It’s easy to look at research and know that black water is detrimental to your health. It’s another thing to witness it firsthand.

Following ingestion or the inhalation of black water droplets, or even through dermatological contact via an open cut or rash, black water can lead to severe illness in both humans and pets. This illness can come in the form of hepatitis, cryptosporidiosis, gastroenteritis, giardiasis, leptospirosis, and severe wound infections.

One of the country’s worst diarrheal illnesses, Campylobacteriosis, stems from ingesting black water or sewage-contaminated water. The infection spreads quickly and may infect the bloodstream, where it may become life-threatening.

The symptoms associated with black water contamination include diarrhea, high fever, dehydration, abdominal pain, and whole-body chills.

When you’re dealing with black water damage, you never want to risk your health. A local restoration company does not have the same risks, though. They are better equipped with advanced restoration tools and safety gear to combat sewage contamination. As such, it is crucial that you call in a nearby restoration service for immediate help.

The faster the contaminated water can be removed from the property, then the area sanitized and dried, the sooner you can return to your normal life.

When you’re knee-deep in black water damage, leave the property immediately and call Restoration 1 of Summit County. We provide 24-hour water damage restoration and sewage cleanup for homeowners and local businesses in the area. Give us a call at 973-250-4306 !