Water
Water damage can be devastating to a people’s home or business. The damage is not only unsightly and can cause structural issues, but it can also lead to dangerous mold growth and health issues. It is critical to understand the different types of water damage to mitigate the damage and begin the water damage cleanup process as soon as possible.
Clean Water Damage
Clean water damage may not appear to be as dangerous as other types of water damage, but it can cause a slew of issues for your property. Swimming and drinking water from clean sources, such as lakes and rivers, is usually safe.
However, when these water bodies become contaminated with harmful substances, such as untreated sewage, if consumed, they may pose specific health risks. Clean water damage occurs when this dangerous material enters people’s homes or businesses due to a flood or leak.
Clean Water Damage Cleanup
People should avoid walking on floors and carpets as much as possible when their homes or businesses get flooded with clean water. Ensure that the cleaning crew has turned all property power off before any water damage cleaning. This includes power and gas lines. After that, make sure that they also turn off both the hot and cold HVAC systems.
The next step is to turn off all running water sources to prevent additional water from entering the structure. Then, call a restoration company for assistance in cleaning up and repairing the source of the problem.
If a small leak, such as a broken pipe, is causing the damage, homeowners can stop or repair it themselves; however, large floods will necessitate professional assistance.
Schedule a regular cleaning and deodorizing with a carpet cleaning service provider once the area is dry.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water is typically defined as wastewater from the home used for cooking and cleaning. It can potentially enter anyone’s property through:
- Floor drains in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Washing machine connections.
- And other plumbing leaks.
This type of water damage may appear to be “clean,” but it poses health risks due to the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals found in many common household products, such as bleach. Before any cleaning or repair work can begin, gray water must be thoroughly cleaned up and disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations.
Gray Water Damage Cleanup
Gray water can be a source of contamination, and cleaners should handle it with caution. This is due to the presence of germs, bacteria, and parasites. Professional water damage and mold cleanup restoration services must ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before reassembling everything. Vacuum cleaners are used to remove all dirt particles during the cleaning process.
However, tools, such as wet/dry vacuums can remove even the smallest particles, such as flour or sawdust. The cleaning company should remove this debris as soon as the situation is under control, not to attract other contaminants such as rodents and more.
Black Water Damage
Blackwater damage is one of the most dangerous types of water damage because it usually indicates a major sewage leak within your home. This type of contamination can carry pathogens that cause diseases, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites, especially if exposed directly through the skin or eyes.
Blackwater damage is classified as a “Category 3” hazard, which is extremely dangerous to one’s health. Seek medical attention right away if anyone comes into contact with this type of contamination.
Black Water Damage Cleanup
The most serious type of water damage is black water damage, containing harmful contaminants such as sewage and other toxic materials. As a result, cleaning up black water damage is much more involved and time-consuming than cleaning up different types of water damage. Before attempting to clean up black water damage, a significant amount of additional training is typically required.
Suppose there is any doubt about the presence of contaminants or whether an area has been completely dried. In that case, it is best to contact a professional restoration company for Black Water Damage Cleaning.
Mixed Water Damage Cleaning
Mixed water damage occurs when both clean and dirty water is present in the same area. This type of situation typically occurs when pipes in bathrooms burst, resulting in contaminated water—from toilet overflows, tub overflows, and so on—with some clean tap water mixed in. Much will get determined by how deeply the water has permeated and how quickly it gets removed.
Bottom Line
If any water damage event occurs in a home or business, including one caused by a sewerage system backup, the victims should contact their insurer as soon as possible. The insurer will dispatch a professional cleanup crew and advise you on the necessary repairs that they must complete before a property can get reoccupied. People should always take special precautions when removing hazardous material (such as asbestos), especially if family members are present in the affected area.
