Know Water Loss Category Before Starting the Cleanup Process

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration in Rio Verde, AZ

When a water loss happens in your Rio Verde, AZ, business, your instincts will likely kick in to instantly find and stop the source and begin the cleanup process. Unfortunately, even if the flooded business only needs a water pipe repair, the water itself needs to be considered before cleaning can begin.

Categories of Water

There are three categories of water:

Clean – Water is from a clean source, such as a broken pipe or overflowing faucet, and poses no potential hazards.
Gray – This type may contain some chemicals or contaminants that could be harmful if ingested. Sources include appliance leaks or broken toilet.
Black – This is highly contaminated water with potential feces, pathogens, chemicals and other microorganisms. This comes from sources such as flooding from rising streams or rivers or sewage backups. Extra safety precautions are needed when dealing with this category of water.

Water Loss Can Evolve
Even if the cause was a burst pipe that only requires a water pipe repair, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are dealing with clean water. The first two categories of water can easily and quickly evolve to a higher classification. That can happen if the water source happens on a second floor and trickles down through insulation, drywall and other materials. Also, the longer water sits, the more chances it can change. Excess moisture often produces optimal conditions for mold growth, which can change the water classification type within 48 hours. The following questions should be asked before diving into the cleanup process:

• Is there standing water?
  
• How long has it been there?
  
• When was it noticed?
  
  

If you are sure of the answers, consider contacted a water and mold damage and restoration professional to safely and effectively handle the situation.

Even if the source only requires a water pipe repair, what happens after the water loss is vital to determining the best way to approach the mess. It’s best to fall on the side of safety and get a professional that is Faster to Any Size Disaster to handle the situation.