Why DIY Water Damage Restoration Is Dangerous

A man is cleaning a flooded balcony after heavy rain. June 2022, Sydney, Australia

No matter, water damage is bound to happen to everyone at least once in their life. One can take all the precautionary measures, but problems will inevitably happen. Unfortunately, sometimes water damage is completely out of our control, as accidents and human error happen. As problems do happen unexpectedly, you may not have the expendable cash, and professional water damage restoration may seem irrelevant. However, depending on the severity, it can be dangerous and more costly to do it on your own without any professional experience. 

Water Damage Restoration – Madison

Water damage can actually be extremely dangerous to try and attempt on your own, especially if you have no professional experience. On the surface, it may seem that there’s no way it can be that scary: it’s just water, right? However, that line of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. Professionals go through arduous certification processes to properly clean up a home for a reason. 

Water Damage Categories

There are three types of water: clean water, gray water, and black water. Clean water is water that is safe for you to be around such as well water, purified water, and city water. Gray and black water are where the danger lies. Gray water is untreated, used water from sinks, washing machines, and showers, while black water is wastewater from toilets or contains harsh chemicals. Both types of water can cause serious illnesses, so it is imperative to be aware of the pollution level from the source of the flood. No matter the case, both types require safety equipment and proper knowledge to be dealt with appropriately. 

Mold

Mold is one of the most dangerous effects of water damage. It begins to grow everywhere, hidden in places that may not be able to be found without professional help within 24 hours. No matter if the amount of water is large or small, mold will invade. Mold will compromise anything near the water, including but not limited to personal belongings, furniture, and even the structural integrity of a house. If the mold is not immediately taken care of, rampant mold growth could take over a house and, in extreme cases, cause the structure to be condemned.

Moreover, mold can also damage a person’s health. It causes health problems such as allergic reactions, asthma attacks, eye and/or skin irritation, irritated throats/nose, and lung problems. Moreover, repeated and elongated mold exposure can increase one’s sensitivity, causing more severe allergic reactions. Exposure to certain molds that produce toxins called mycotoxins can cause more serious illnesses as well. 

Bacterial Exposure

The water that fills a home during a flood usually contains all sorts of germs and bacteria that can cause health problems. Attempting to clean this on your own can cause you to be more prone to sickness and disease, even if you wear protective clothing. A person in this type of environment who is constantly exposed to water damage can experience illnesses ranging from a mild upset stomach to serious illnesses such as dysentery, typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. 

These are only some of the most dangerous problems that can come along with water damage. Water is far more dangerous than it may seem, especially without any prior knowledge of how severe it is and how to deal with it. Though there are some jobs that you may be able to do on your own, some are best left to professionals who can get the job done correctly. If you are unsure of the level of pollution of water present in your home, how bad the water damage is, or just need help with water damage restoration, professionals at White Knight have the knowledge and experience to get the job done efficiently.