What You Need to Know About Water Damage Cleanup

3/22/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage to warehouse caused by broken sprinkler. SERVPRO of East Brunswick was on site immediately resulting in business as usual the next day.

What You Need to Know About Water Damage

Water damage can be devastating and overwhelming whatever the cause.   When it comes to water damage in your home or business, understanding the type of water you’re dealing with is crucial in assessing the procedures required for proper clean up.  Taking the necessary precautions and steps is crucial in avoiding further damage until the professionals arrive.  Knowing what you are dealing with will help you avoid future health and structural issues. 

Clean Water –Category 1

Clean water, also known as Category 1, come from such sources as water supply lines including tub, sink or toilet tank overflows, hot water heater and refrigerator ice or water supply line.  This is usually the easiest type of water to deal with.  Properly cleaning and drying the affected areas are your biggest concerns to avoid mold. 

Gray Water – Category 2

Clean water, left over time, can become gray water.  Gray water is water that is to some extent contaminated either because it was left untreated or due to the nature of the source.  An overflowing toilet or dishwasher would be considered gray water.  Water that has travelled through walls and ceilings, even though from a clean source, would be gray water in this case. 

Black Water – Category 3

Black water is the most contaminated type of water of the three.   It can be filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, pesticides and more.  Black water is caused by sewage damage, flooding or natural disasters. Examples are sewage backup, ground water intrusion or sump pump backup.  Black water requires special equipment and proper handling and safety precautions when restoring your home or business from this type of water damage.

Whatever the cause or type of water damage you experience, the most important thing is to minimize the damage and call our IICRC certified professionals for help.  Don’t leave your home or business to chance, call SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows at 732-432-9800 and let our professionals help.