Understanding Water Damage Types

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Knowing the different types of water damage is crucial to coming up with a plan!

After another harrowing cold snap, it's crucial to ensure your pipes and water lines are undamaged. When your home or business suffers water damage, understanding the type of water you're dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to 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. When you have water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Consider taking the following precautions 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 wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electric shock. Do not enter rooms with standing was, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushion to allow more even drying.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated water.
• 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; air flow could spread contamination.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

If you have any further questions and need help with the restoration process, please contact SERVPRO of Kaufman County / Cedar Creek. We are here 24/7 to attend to your emergency services and make disaster "Like it never even happened."