Understanding Water Types

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.

There are three types of water.

1. Clean water (Category 1) is water from a broken pipe or any other CLEAN water source; rainwater is also considered clean.
2. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water (Category 2). Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated for too long, causing bacteria to other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous.
3. Black water (Category 3) is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, human waste and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage backup, storm flooding, or any other type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for SERVPRO of East Independence/Blue Springs professionals 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 water, 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 cushions to allow even more 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. You will destroy your vacuum cleaner and will most likely cause electric shock in the process.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the 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 items.
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread the damage to unaffected areas of the home or business.
• Do not turn on the HVAC system is there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.