Understanding Water Damage: Different Types of Water

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage event, understanding what type of water you are 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 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. 

Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage: 

Damage from Clean Water: 

DO:

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so. 
• Turn off the circuit breakers for wet areas of the building is 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.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 
• Move moisture sensitive items like paintings, documents, and computers to a safe dry place. 

DON"T:

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining.
• Do not use your house hold vacuum to remove water as there is potential for electric shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• 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:

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated area. 

DON'T:

• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
• Do not turn HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants. 

When you have a water damage disaster, don't hesitate to call our professional team of Service Technicians. Dealing with the water quickly can often limit the amount of damage to your home and the cost of cleaning it up. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Bergen, we are your remediation and restoration experts in the Bergen County area.