3 Categories of Types of Water in a Water Damage

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience a water damage in your basement, call SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County at 330-497-4600.

When facing a water damage, it is important to understand what type of water you are dealing with to ensure proper cleanup. SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County crews can determine the type of water, since they have been properly trained and IICRC certified.

The three types of water are clean, gray and black water.

• Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source, such as rainwater.
• Gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated. Bacteria and other contain contain contaminants begin growing making the water hazardous.
• Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

If you experience a water loss consider the following steps to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.

Damage From Clean Water

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off circuit breakers for what areas of the building, it access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock.
• Remove as much access water as possible by mopping and flooding.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and table top items.
• Remove and prop up what upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and what carpeting.
• Move any paintings or objects computers electronics and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
• Do not enter rooms standing water as electrical shock hazards me exist.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there’s potential for electric shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not use televisions or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures and ceiling is wet, do not enter rooms were ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage From Contaminated Water

• Avoid all Contents with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Do not walk through contaminated areas as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. – Do not use household fans to dry the structure, Airflow could spread contaminants.
• Discard any food and or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

When disaster strikes, make sure you have experience professionals on the line. No matter how big or small, SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County will be ready to help make your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us 24-hours a day at 330-497-4600.