The Types Of Water Damage And Cleanup Methods

During this past year and pandemic, our homes have become a safe haven. However, when your home in Charlottesville suffers water damage, it can put you and your entire family in risk of health problems and other dangers. Depending on the type of water, it may even be necessary to evacuate your home until the water has been cleaned up. There are three types of water classifications, and each has its own water damage cleanup process to ensure safe and adequate results. It is important to know which type of water you are dealing with before water damage cleanup can occur so you can keep you and your family safe. 

Water Damage Cleanup In Charlottesville

Category 1: Clean Water

Category 1 Water is water that comes from a clean source. Examples are water from a leaky faucet or broken water supply line. Water damage restoration of Category 1 Water is fairly simple. First, water must be extracted and dried completely. Damaged materials can then be repaired or replaced. If Category 1 Water is not cleaned up quickly and correctly, it can turn into Category 2 Water.

Category 2: Gray Water

Category 2 Water is water that may contain bacteria and viruses. Common sources of gray water include dishwasher overflow, washing machine overflow, and toilet overflow without feces.  This type of water can cause illness upon contact, and needs to be handled professionally and with safety precautions. First, all wet areas must be located and the water must be extracted. Removal and disposal of damaged items must be done before drying begins. Not only is adequate drying needed, but it must also be thoroughly sanitized.  If left untreated for too long, Category 2 Water can degrade very quickly to Category 3 Water.

Category 3: Black Water

Like the name entails, black water is grossly contaminated water. Black water comes from flooding streams, canals or rivers, the sewer line, the toilet bowl with feces, and long-standing water that has begun to grow microbes.  All contact with black water should be avoided because this type of water can cause serious illness and even death if ingested.   Black water must first be extracted, and then every surface affected is steam washed. Carpet pads and other necessary structural materials are then discarded so that the floor can be steam cleaned. A disinfectant is then applied before drying equipment is brought in. Air cleaners are also used in black water damage restoration. This type of water requires professional water damage cleanup with the use of specialized equipment to safely remove contaminants. 

If you are unsure which type of water you are dealing with, be sure to call the water damage cleanup experts at Restoration 1 Charlottesville . With the proper training and equipment, we will determine which water category we are dealing with, and proceed with an appropriate plan of action. While you are waiting for the restoration team to arrive, here are some steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe from contaminated water.

• Keep children and pets away from the affected area
• Keep the area contained as best as possible
• Turn off all electrical power to the affected area.
• Turn off the water supply to the area.
• Do not use the HVAC unit to ventilate the area because that can spread microbes through the air. If possible, open windows in the affected area to get airflow. 
• Avoid entering the area
• Be sure to use personal protective equipment such as facemasks, rubber gloves and boots, and impervious coveralls if you have to go into the area
• If it is safe to do so, remove any dry, uncontaminated items out of the area. 

If you find yourself facing water damage, let the water damage cleanup Restoration 1 take care of you.