Here are the Different Classes of Water Damage That Can Happen to Your Home or Business
You should know that there are different types of water damage and that different types of water damage restoration services are required to clean it up. Sometimes knowing the source of the water will tell you the type of water that caused the damage you’re dealing with but it’s not always the case, so you can’t make any assumptions.
The type of water that caused the damage will impact the amount of time, effort, and expertise required to remove the water and restore the damaged contents and structures after water damage.
Time is of the essence. The water needs to be extracted and everything dried, or you will have mold on anything that remains wet for extended periods of time.
Different Types of Water Damage
Water damage of any kind can be harmful to your home or business. Clean water, greywater, blackwater, lake and river water will cause damage in different ways and require different extraction and cleaning methods.
Clean Water
Clean water is the easiest type of water damage to clean up and fix. It’s typically the safest water type as it comes from a clean source. Clean water damage may be caused by leaking sinks, bathtub water, or pipes. With clean water damage, there’s no health hazard for either humans or pets.
If your home or business experiences clean water damage, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty getting it repaired. Our restoration company will come in, remove the water, and then clean and dry the area.
Since the water is clean, there’s no need for specialized cleaning agents, and the area should air dry safely. But if your personal possessions or documents are soaked, there may be a need for our Contents Restoration Services.
Blackwater
Of all water types, blackwater is the most dangerous and should not be handled by anyone who isn’t a professional. Blackwater contains hazardous chemicals and pathogens that can make both humans and animals sick.
While the water may not look black, it is classified as such because of the amount of toxins and biohazards that the water contains.
In most cases, blackwater damage is caused by natural disasters or broken sewage lines. While sewage leaks may seem obvious, you may not expect freshwater or river water flooding to be classified as blackwater damage. This is why you can’t simply rely on the color of the water to tell you what type it is.
Professionals should always be hired to clean up blackwater. Specialized equipment is necessary to ensure that everyone stays safe and there aren’t any lingering chemicals or toxins after the water has been extracted. You’ll need to heavily disinfect the area even after it dries, so make sure family or employees know about the damage and can avoid going near the contaminated area until it’s safe.
Blackwater primarily comes from toilets and sewer backup and generally contains human waste (including fecal matter). It is laden with harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, making it highly unsafe. Extracted blackwater contamination must be treated before being discharged into the environment.
Premiere Restoration is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) and trained in water damage restoration, applied microbial remediation, and mold remediation.
Greywater
The second type of water damage comes from greywater. Unlike clean water, greywater likely has some type of microbe or chemical toxin that makes it slightly less safe. So while you likely won’t get hurt touching greywater, you wouldn’t want to drink it, which means you’ll have to keep any animals or small children away from the area.
Greywater typically comes from an various household sources like sinks, showers and washing machines. It does not contain solid human waste (like feces). Instead, it may include soap particles, fat, oil from cooking, hair, and even flakes of human skin. It can also carry chemicals, cleaning agents, or biohazards such as blood and urine.
When you call a professional to clean up greywater damage, they’ll have to do a bit of extra work to ensure the microbes in the water don’t spread. They’ll remove the water then clean and disinfect the area before letting it dry.
Its possible that some of the removed greywater can be reused for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation in gardens or lawns.
Flood Water from Rivers and Lakes
Overflow water from rivers and lakes often carries pollutants, chemicals, and sewage. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to health issues.
What are some common contaminants in floodwater?
Floodwater can contain a variety of contaminants that pose health risks. When dealing with floodwater, being aware of potential hazards is essential. Here are some common contaminants found in floodwater:
- Human and Livestock Waste: Floodwater often carries sewage and fecal matter from homes and agricultural areas. Exposure to this waste can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Household, Medical, and Industrial Hazardous Waste: Chemicals, biological agents, and radiological materials may mix with floodwater. These hazardous substances can harm health if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
- Coal Ash Waste: Coal ash, which contains compounds like arsenic, chromium, and mercury, can be carried by floodwaters. Prolonged exposure to these substances is dangerous.
- Other Germs and Contaminants:
Floodwater may contain various pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that can cause illness. Physical objects, including fish, tree limbs, and a wide range of debris, can also be present in floodwater. Wild or stray animals (like rodents and snakes) may be displaced and pose additional risks.
Remember that the best way to protect yourself from exposure to contaminated floodwater is to stay out of the water. If you do come in contact with floodwater, follow proper hygiene practices and seek medical attention if necessary.
Why Choose Premiere Restoration
Water damage of any kind is a challenge to deal with and may limit the use of your home or business until the area can be fully cleaned and restored. While you may be eager to get the area cleaned, it’s essential to call a professional specializing in residential water damage cleanup and restoration or commercial water damage restoration to assess the damage so that neither you nor your employees are accidentally exposed to hazardous chemicals, toxins, or germs.