Understanding Water Types: Part 1

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, it’s vital that you have an understanding of water types. This is critical to help ensure proper cleanup. The heroes at SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties are highly qualified and experienced in this vertical.   

There are three types of water: Clean, gray, and black. 

Clean water is water from a broken pipe or another water source; rainwater is also considered clean. 

Gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is 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. 

There are a number of water damage scenarios that can cause water damage at your residential and/or commercial property. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help 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 electrical 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 more even 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 as there is potential for electrical 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.

Now that you have an understanding of water types part 1, stay tuned for understanding water types part 2 to learn about the necessary precautions to take for damage from contaminated water. When water damage strikes your home or business, contact your premier local cleanup and restoration company. Call SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties day or night at 573-339-1948.