How do you determine the type of Water loss?

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Categories

When it comes to a water damage in your home or business, it is very important to determine what type of water you are dealing with before attempting cleanup yourself or starting services. If you are unsure, it is safer to have a SERVPRO trained professional help you determine what the cause of the water loss was.  

Some things to look for to assist you in determining the cause; Is there an odor to the water? Is there debris floating in the water? Is the water a different color? Answering these questions first can help you know what to do next. Ask yourself, is it safe for me to attempt cleanup myself? Unless you are sure, it is always better to have a SERVPRO trained professional assess the situation.

The source of the water is what determines what "type" of water. The 3 types of water are Clean Water, Gray Water, and Black Water.

Clean Water: An example of a "Clean Water" water damage would be resulting from a broken pipe, back of toilet tank, or any unused water source.

Gray Water: An example of a "Gray Water" water damage is a washing machine overflow; or clean water that has set too long or gone unnoticed will become gray water, as contaminates and bacteria will start to grow.

Black Water: An example of "Black Water" water damage would be caused by a sewage backup or flood damage. This is considered highly contaminated water.

If you ever experience a water intrusion of any kind, it is always best to clean and dry the area as soon as possible to avoid further damage from occurring. Call in our SERVPRO Team for a free estimate of services. We are always available and happy to help!