The 3 Major Water Damage Categories and How to Respond to Them

Flooding happens more often than people realize. Any form of water damage can come with a series of unforeseen complications and threats. If you do not address the problem immediately, you will have serious consequences to handle later.

Water damage isn't always easily seen, so you need professionals to assess the damage in your home. They'll determine the type of water damage that has occurred. After classifying the damage, they will offer the best restoration strategy. Here are the three major categories of water damage that you may encounter and the strategies you'll likely need to employ in each case. 

The Clean Water Category

When clean water damage occurs, the water involved is fresh. The damage is caused by problems like broken water distribution pipes, overflowing sinks, damaged taps, and burst hot water tanks. Since the water is clean, it does not pose any hygiene or health risk to the homeowners. However, you should have the damage and moisture cleaned up within two days. If you leave the water to stagnate in your interior spaces for long, bacteria and other pathogens will grow in the moist conditions, creating a health hazard. 

The Gray Water Category

The second type of water damage, known as gray water damage, comes from contaminated water. The category includes all water from unclean and unsanitary sources. It is gray water if the water contains chemical agents, minor biological waste, or other contaminants. For example, used water from your washing machine or toilet falls under this category. The experts recommend using gloves when handling gray water because it can irritate the skin and potentially cause sickness.

It is best to contact water damage restoration services when gray water cleanup is needed. They will know the best way to clean up and sanitize your home. 

The Black Water Category

The third, most hazardous category of water damage is known as black water damage. Black water comes from sources such as natural flooding disasters, raw sewage, and industrial effluent. Typically, the water will contain toxic chemicals and pathogens. Rain, river, and ocean water all fall under this category because nobody knows what contaminants it might be carrying. You should not attempt to handle clean-up yourself when your premises suffer this type of water damage. Contact professionals for restoration services that will eliminate the threat thoroughly and safely.

It is wise to contact water damage restoration services immediately you encounter a water damage problem in your home. With their help, you will restore order in your premises, prevent further damage and avoid potential health and safety hazards.