Know the Different Types of Water Damage

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Laundry room washer leak.

Whether heavy rains or a leaking pipe, water damage to your Lafayette, LA, home requires swift action. The longer it sits, the more potential there is for additional damage, such as mold growth. At the first signs of water is easy to want to grab whatever is on hand to start the cleanup. Before doing that is vital to understand the type of water you are dealing with.

Flood Damage Categories

There are three categories of water damage, all of which come from different sources.

Category 1: Considered clean water, the source could be a burst pipe or sink overflowing. This water has no contaminants, making it safe for people to handle.
Category 2: Referred to as gray water, it often has chemicals, biological contaminants, or microorganisms. Sources for sustaining this damage include dishwasher overflow, water from condensation, or sump pump failure.
Category 3: This is the dreaded black water that comes from flooding and often has sewage, toxins, chemicals, and other substances that are best left untouched. Along with sewage backups, floodwaters, and rising groundwater, gray water not properly taken care of may become this type of damage.

Proper Restoration
Any water left unchecked has the potential to cause more issues, even clean water. When it is classified as the other two categories, calling a professional storm damage restoration company is often the best choice. Dealing with contaminated water requires assessing the extent of the damage, developing a plan of action, and then cleaning and repairing the damage using industrial-grade equipment and professional methods.
While any type of water damage your home sustains is a negative situation, the type of water causing the issue should also be a top concern. Verifying the source of the intrusion helps ensure the right measures are taken for proper cleanup.