Lisnrr Instant Hot Water Heaters

Water Heater Alarm

Water Damaged Indoor Environments

It seems as though, as with the subject of mold, that water damages have become controversial and complicated. Maybe one person heard this and another that; this company is saying do this, while another says do that; or some people feel they've gotten sick during a water damage, while others don't.

Either way, most people have either experienced a water damage or known someone who has, but few understand its affects on the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and their health. I hope that this page might help you understand a little more about the indoor environment of a water damage.

Wikipedia encyclopedia defines water damage as, "a large number of possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, growth, rusting of steel, de-laminating of materials such as plywood , and many, many others.

"The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a very major contributor to loss of property." 

Water damage can be caused by a number of sources, such as leaking plumbing, sewage back-ups, vandalism, hail damage, clogged guttering, natural disasters, hydrostatic pressure, leaking or congested crawl spaces and attics, and many others.

Whatever the cause, prompt, thorough attention should be given to the situation in order to protect everyone's health, the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), and the building components from compromising degradation. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in its Standard & Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (hereafter referred to as the S500), states several times how "it is important to begin mitigation procedures as soon as safely possible following the initial loss, as the quality of the water is likely to deteriorate over time.As the quality of water deteriorates, the greater damage to the structure and contents, along with increased environmental hazards, are likely to develop."  

The IICRC S500 goes on to say, "If increased water activity and/or ERH (Equilibrium Relative Humidity) (from high relative humidity, leaks or floods) is allowed to exist for more than 24 hours, the high mositure condition changes the normal stable ecology of either a part of the indoor environment (a microenvironment such as carpet or wallboard) or of the entire building."  

So, "What are some of the changes taking place in a water damaged environment?" 

• chemical and microbiological off-gasing

• mold and bacteria amplification
• in some cases, virus transmission
• parasitic infestations
• and much more

 

"Where do these things come from?" Indoor and outdoor environments naturally harbor, in varying degrees, microscopic life forms, termed "microbes". Microbes is a term used in short for microorganisms. Microbes are tiny, one-celled organisms, bacteria, fungi (such as mold), and viruses.

Being found in all living things, they are ubiquitous, that is to say they are existing or being able to be found anywhere, especially at the same time. When exposed to excessive moisture for a prolonged period of time microbes will begin to flourish into a population, or ecology, that is not natural and may cause harm.  

The off-gasing that takes place comes from the microbes, cleaning agents and the building components, such as pesticides and other biocides used on water damages, plastic, paints, synthetic fibers, and many more. This off-gasing and chemical distribution has been contributed to a number of health effects in sensitized people.

Some examples of these health effects include, but are not necessarily limited to migraine headaches, excessive fatigue, neurocognitive symptoms ("brain fog" or memory loss), muscle pain (fibromyalgia), joint paint (rheumatoid arthritis), burning, tingling or numbness in peripheral nerves (parasthesias), and even gastrointestinal symptoms.  Because of the seriousness associated with health effects and water damage, the IICRC felt it necessary to categorize water damages based on the cleanliness of the water, to help remediators, restorers, home owners, and all other materially interested parties make decisions on what action would be appropriate to first provide for the health and safety of everyone involved, and, secondly, how to restore the home to its pre-loss condition.

The three categories of a water damage are:

• Category 1, refers to "water originating from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Also referred to as 'clean water'.";
• Category 2, refers to "water containing a significant degree of chemical, biological and/or physical contamination and having the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. Also referred to as 'gray water'."; and,
• Category 3, refers to "grossly unsanitary water, containing pathogenic agents, arising from sewage or other contaminated water sources and having the likelihood of causing discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. This category includes all forms of seawater, ground surface water and rising water from rivers or streams. Also referred to as 'black water'."

 

I had someone ask me once, "I had a water damage company come to my home and tell me that I had a Category 3 water damage. Does that mean they found hidden mold?" Remember that the Category of water is referring to the cleanliness of the water not the presence or absence of mold.

The S500 states that when "suspect or visible mold growth is present" whomever is inspecting the home to determine the scope of work, or protocol, should refer to the IICRC S520, Standard & Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.

This is termed a "Specialty Situation" rather than a Category.  "Well, then how do I know what the Category of water is, and whether or not I really need to get all of this demolition and reconstruction done that my contractor is telling me I need?"

An inspection, testing and consultation from a Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) can provide you some laboratory work and description of the conditions in your home or office. SOLUTIONS Indoor Environmental Consulting can perform tests such as the PCR - Environmental EPA Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI), as well as Endotoxin testing, sewage contamination in buildings testing, and microbial Volatile Organic Compound (mVOC) screening, along with thermography and moisture content measurements of building materials (such as drywall, plaster, wood, etc.), and psychrometric measurements (such as temperature, realtive and specific humidities, dew point, and thirst) all to help diagnose the condition of your water damaged environment and provide you with a recommendation of care, or protocol.

 The good news is that you can do things to help avoid water damage in your home or office with routine maintenance. Here area few suggestions:

• Routinely check and secure water supply lines, such as those under sinks, around toilets, tubs and showers, the dishwasher, washing machine, water heater, and refrigerator.
• Make sure to test your sump pump before the start of each wet season to make sure that it is functioning properly.

 

• Battery-operated back-up sump pumps and/or a generator can also be used to protect against power failure or failure of the primary pump.
• Check your water heater for signs of rust or moisture.
• Have your HVAC system serviced by a qualified contractor, making sure they include in their inspection and cleaning the condensation pan drain line (keep it free of obstruction).
• Make sure that your Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system's filter stays clean and use a filter with a MERV 6 rating or greater. This helps to cut down on the particulates flowing through your HVAC system; thereby reducing the likelihood that this system will be a source of poor indoor air quality.
• Consider installing a water alarm. These systems can be set up as individual appliance systems or whole house systems. Some systems can be set up to sound an alarm when moisture is sensed, others can shut off the water to the building when leak is detected.

 

But if you have the unfortunate experience of having a water damage in your home or office, make sure to process the damage quickly and completely. Water damaged environments can be impacted by mold and other microbes (like bacteria), in some cases, as quickly as 24 - 72 hours. That doesn't necessarily mean you will see mold growth that soon, but the IAQ could be compromised by mold or bacterial activity, so can the cleanliness of the water.  

The S500 says of Category 1 and 2 water damages that "water contact with structural surfaces and content materials may deteriorate in cleanliness as it dissolves or mixes with soils and other contaminants, and as time elapses."  

"How do you find a qualified Water-damage Restoration Technician (WRT)?" I am familiar with two organizations that can help you find WRT as they certify them. The first is the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). You can search by certificant or member on their website. The second is the Institution of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). They list firms that are certified through their training and certification programs. You will also find references to other professionals that they certify such as fire restoration technicians and carpet cleaners.

 There are times and places where you may find yourself in a position where there isn't a WRT available to help you remedy, or remediate, the water damage problem in your home or office. SOLUTIONS Indoor Environmental Consulting offers moisture mapping, monitoring, and project management services to help those in need of a WRT on remediation/restoration projects.

We do not remediate or restore the building, but we can work with your contractor on-site and manage the remediation/restoration process with you. If you feel like there is no one close enough to your area to manage the remediators on your water damage contact us and we'll be happy to assist you.

About the Author

Jason has been in the remediation, restoration and indoor air quality industry for over sixteen years. During that time he has become one of few to earn four board awards with the American Indoor Air Quality Council: Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant, Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist, Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor, and Council-certified Microbial Remediator. Additionally, Jason holds a certification with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, namely the Water-damage Restoration Technician; and has completed independent certification through other safety and health courses and subrogation.

Jason owns and operates SOLUTIONS Indoor Environmental Consulting. For more information on Jason and SOLUTIONS IEC visit www.SolutionsIEC.com

Swann / WATER LEAK ALARM / SW351-WLA $24.5 Swann - WATER LEAK ALARM - SW351-WLA

Instantaneous Water Heater $14.99 Instantaneous Water Heater - Premium Poster

HOT WATER HEATER / PORTABLE SHOWER $139.99 HOT WATER HEATER / PORTABLE SHOWER

Woman Eying Water Heater, Retro $24.99 Woman Eying Water Heater, Retro - Premium Poster

Honeywell RWD41 Water Detection Cable with Alarm $38.99 Honeywell RWD41 Water Detection Cable with Alarm

Rule / Rule Hi-Water Bilge Alarm / 33ALA $62.3 Rule - Rule Hi-Water Bilge Alarm - 33ALA

RTGH95XP Prestige Outdoor Tankless Water Heater $1325 Outdoor Condensing Tankless Water Heater

Camco Water Heater Element Quick Change Tool 09973 $26.33 Water heater element tool

Rule Hi-Water Bilge Alarm $72.83 Hi-Water Bilge Alarm The High Water Bilge Alarm consists of a non-mercury float switch and an in-dash gauge that features both a visual and an audible 85 db alarm. This unit allows an unmanned com part ment to be constantly monitored. For additional compartments add additional Rule Float Switches. Complies with CFR 182. 530 which requires a visual and audible alarm in each unmanned space on commercial vessels at least 26 - 7. 9m - in length.

200w Water Heater: HY $48.83 200w Water Heater This compact, submersible, 200 watt heater have a titanium heating element and can be used in both fresh and salt water. The external temperature controller can be set from 68 to 92°F. The titanium heating element is 1.5" in diameter and will not crack if dropped. A built-in temperature sensor will automatically turn the heater off if exposed to air.Brand may differ from picture. 200 watts, 1.5" x 3" x 67" x 10.6"

AquaStar 2400ES-NG Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater $599.99 2400ES Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater - 2400ES-NG

AquaStar 2700ES-LP Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater $1039.99 2700ES Liquid Propane Tankless Water Heater - 2700ES-LP

AquaStar 125FX-NG Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater $579.99 125FX Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater - 125FX-NG

300w Water Heater: HY $51.95 300 watt Submersible Water Heater. This compact, submersible, 300 watt heater have a titanium heating element and can be used in both fresh and salt water. The external temperature controller can be set from 68 to 92°F.Brand may differ from picture. The titanium heating element is 1.5" in diameter and will not crack if dropped. A built-in temperature sensor will automatically turn the heater off if exposed to air. Maintains water temperature within 2ºF of the set value providing a safe, healthy, and stable temperature for your tank. 300 watts, 1.5" x 3" x 12"

100w Water Heater: HY $43.63 100w Water Heater This compact, submersible, 100 watt heater have a titanium heating element and can be used in both fresh and salt water. The external temperature controller can be set from 68 to 92°F. The titanium heating element is 1.5" in diameter and will not crack if dropped. A built-in temperature sensor will automatically turn the heater off if exposed to air.Brand may differ from picture. 100 watts, 1.5" x 3" x 44" x 6.6" Close up picture shows 200 watt version (MI121).

FIRST ALERT wa100 Water Alarm $32.71 Saf first alert water alarm. Battery powered. Compact design. Protects your home from water damage. Sensor can be placed 6 ft. from the unit. Place sensor anywhere a potential water leak may occur. Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.4 x 3.9.

Water Alarm with Remote Sensor: J $21.21 Detects Water & Sounds Alarm • Warns of leaks and overflows in reservoirs, aquariums or anywhere there is a potential for leaks • Alerts user within hearing range that water has reached desired level when used to monitor the filling of pools, reservoirs, aquariums and more • Sensor and alarm can be placed up to 6 feet apart • Loud 85 dB (decibel buzzer). Sounds for up to 3 days • Uses 9 volt battery (sold separately)

Water Alarm with Remote Sensor: HY $25.95 Detects Water and Sounds Alarm which helps prevent costly water damage which may not be covered by insurance. Warns of leaks and overflows in bath, kitchen, laundry, furnace, computer rooms or anywhere there is a potential for leaks Low battery signal tells user when it's time to replace the battery Circuit test bar ensures system is working Alerts user within hearing range that water has reached desired level when used to monitor the filling of pools, tubs, sinks, aquariums and more An ideal backup system for sump and bilge pumps in residential, commercial and marine applications Sensor and alarm can be placed up to 6 feet apart Loud 85 dB (decibel buzzer). Sounds for up to 3 days Uses one 9-volt battery For leak detection: Just place the sensor (suction cup up) at the lowest point of the floor or other horizontal surface where water collects. The alarm will sound if water bridges between the two contacts. Alarm can be table, shelf, or wall mounted away from the sensor. For unattended filling of bathtubs, pools, spas, etc: Use the section cup to attach the sensor to any smooth vertical surface. The buzzer will sound when the water reaches both metal contacts on the sensor. One-year factory warranty.

Reliance 1#44;440 Watt 120 Volt Electric Water Heater Element 9000129045 $26.57 Electric water heater element

Reliance 2#44;000 Watt 120 Volt Electric Water Heater Element 9000130045 $26.7 Electric water heater element

Reliance 3#44;800 Watt 240 Volt Electric Water Heater Element 9000136045 $26.8 Electric water heater element

Reliance 2#44;000 Watt 240 Volt Electric Water Heater Element 9000133045 $26.81 Electric water heater element

SWANN SW351-WLA Water Leak Alarm $22.66 Protects Home Or Property From Water Damage; Monitors Areas With Potential For Water Leaks; Alarm Is Triggered When Water Leak Or Flooding Is Detected; Unique Slim, Weather-Resistant Design; Multidirectional Sensor For Fast, Accurate Detection; Built-In Magnet For Easy Attachment; Push Button For Low-Battery Testing; For Use In All Temperature Ranges; Concealed On/Off Switch & High/Low Sensitivity Selection; Extra-Long Battery Life; Requires 2 Aaa Batteries

SWANN SW351WLA Water Leak Alarm $28.05 Protects Home Or Property From Water Damage; Monitors Areas With Potential For Water Leaks; Alarm Is Triggered When Water Leak Or Flooding Is Detected; Unique Slim WeatherResistant Design; Multidirectional Sensor For Fast Accurate Detection; BuiltIn Magnet For Easy Attachment; Push Button For LowBattery Testing; For Use In All Temperature Ranges; Concealed On/Off Switch High/Low Sensitivity Selection; ExtraLong Battery Life; Requires 2 Aaa Batteries

Swann SW351-WLA Water Leak Alarm $15.99 Type: Siren Features: Monitors areas for potential water leaks (laundry rooms, under cabinet plumbing, hot water tanks, air conditioners etc) Alarm is triggered once water leakage or flooding is detected Unique slim, weather resistant design Omni-directional sensor for fast & accurate water detection Easy installation, position close to the floor to minimize water damage Battery testing button with low battery indication Suitable for use in all temperature ranges Extra-long battery life, requires 2 x "AAA" batteries (not included) Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.3" x 8.2" Parts: 1 year limited Labor: 1 year limited

IDEAL SECURITY SK606 Flood, Water & Overflow Alarm $21.99 Place in any area where water may leak. When water is detected, the device will sound the alarm or play a tune. This device features a built-in 105dB high output alarm, alarm/off/music option switch and a 2-metre long connection sensor wire. A 9V battery is included in the package. Product Warranty: 12 months UPC: 056947600063 Manufacturer's Part Number: SK606

CZ-530 Electric Radiant Heater with $29 The Comfort Zone CZ-530 Electric Radiant Heater with Alarm features 12501500 Watts of power Adjustable thermostat and a convenientCarrying handle

First Alert- brk Battery Operated Water Alarm WA100 $21.87 Water alarm. Compact design. Easy installation and maintenance. Alarm signal lasts up to 72 hours. Splash and water resistant. Floats. 9 volt battery included. Loud 85db alarm. Water sensors are located on the bottom of the alarm. Length: 1.3. Width: 3.9. Height: 2.4

First Alert brk Battery Operated Water Alarm WA100 $33.29 Water alarm. Compact design. Easy installation and maintenance. Alarm signal lasts up to 72 hours. Splash and water resistant. Floats. 9 volt battery included. Loud 85db alarm. Water sensors are located on the bottom of the alarm. Length: 1.3. Width: 3.9. Height: 2.4

Submersible Water Heater 100 watt: HY $29.64 100 Watt Submersible Water Heater 0 TO 25 GAL. Keeps water temperature 60-75 degrees.

Submersible Water Heater 200 watt: HY $36.35 200 Watt Submersible Water Heater 40 TO 50 GAL. Keeps water temperature 60-75 degrees.

Submersible Water Heater 250 watt: HY $36.4 300 Watt Submersible Water Heater 50 TO 65 GAL. Keeps water temperature 60-75 degrees.

Robertshaw 481406 Water Heater Thermostat $137.7 Robertshaw 481406 Water Heater Thermostat. 31/2 W.C. Natural Gas. 160F. 13/8 Shank Length. Replaces Model R110Rts. 1/2 Fnpt Inlet x 1/2 Inv. Fl Outlet.

Zircon Zircon Water Detector 64003 $9.26 Water detector Unit can be placed anywhere the potential for flooding or leaking exists: Under sink, near water heater, in basement, etc Loud alarm (95 dB) sounds with direct water contact Floats and signals for up to 72 hours Fully automatic operation - no wiring required Low battery indicator for optimum safety and performance Works on a 9V battery (not included) Brand #: Zircon 64003 UPC: 042186850086 Keywords: detector water alarm flood leaks

Wa500 - Water Alarm $13.64 [6358659] Truck Delivery

Watts Spacemaker E-75 Water Heater Straps $22.99 Selling Unit: Each Type: Straps Features: * Quick easy installation-bolts directly into wall studs * Adjusts easily to fit water heater * Pre-assembled self tapping lag bolts * Kit contains four straps for restraining top and bottom of water heater, back spacer to keep water heater from contact with the wall * Larger straps encircle the water heater or simply belt across the front * Lag bolts are pre-installed and held with paper keepers to prevent dropping behind the tank * Provides great flexibility in strapping the water heater * For water heaters tank up to 75 gallons

Bosch Water Heating Bosch Water Heating Instant Water Heater AE-9.5 $219.37 Instant water heater Designed to provide an endless supply of hot water for kitchen, bathroom, and handwashing sinks 99% efficient 5 year warranty on heater, 1 year on parts for both commercial and residential use Installs vertically or horizontally Solid copper heat exchanger, copper-sheathed elements, and tough plastic housing No temperature/pressure relief valve necessary (check local codes) Has thermostatic adjustable control Unit must be hard wired Brand #: Bosch Water Heating AE-9.5 UPC: 052575700953 Keywords: heater water electric instantaneous

Black Velatura Alarm Chronograph Alarm $358.23 Stainless steel two tone case. Stainless steel two tone link bracelet. Black and white dial. Tachymeter scale. Date. Scratch resistant Hardlex crystal. Chronograph. Luminous hands and markers. Screw-back case. Case 43 mm x 12 mm. Water Resistant to 100 meters. Size/Dimensions: Large Gift Box: Gift Box Dial Color: Black Movement: Quartz Display: Quartz Date: Date Chronograph: Chronograph Alarm: No

Ideal Security SK616 Water Detection and Alarm System $48.99 The Ideal Security SK616 is a residential water detection and alarm system residential intended to detect and warn you and your family of leaks, floods, and overflows. Perfect for homes with leaky basements or are susceptible to sump-pump overflows. When the device detects water it will activate its internal alarm. Up to 6 wireless water detectors can be added to the dialer at varying ranges up to 200 feet. Features Quick set-up, no wiring required Quick and easy set-up, no wiring required Low battery warning Battery included UPC: 56947600162 Manufacturer's Part Number: SK616