Know the Types of Flood Waters

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage from a flood invades your Maple Grove, MN home, it can be overwhelming. Along with saturated cherished belongings, it may mean extensive repairs and lingering problems. While you may want to jump in and start the cleanup process, it is important to understand that not all water is the same or safe.

Types of Flood Waters

The source of the water issue plays a big role in the cleanup process. There are three types of water categories.

Clean Water: It includes water without contaminants. It may be the result of a pipe burst, damaged appliance, toilet holding tanks, or rainwater. If left unchecked, it can turn into the next category.
Gray Water: Culprits creating this type often include dishwashers, sinks, washing machines, or aquariums. Over time, the contamination can spread and bump this up to the third water category.
Black Water: This is the most unsanitary water. During flooding, soil, debris, and sewage get mixed in with the water, which means bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi, and viruses could be in the water.

Drying Out and Cleaning Up
Water damage created by the first two categories needs to be immediately addressed. If the affected area can be dried out within 48 hours, it minimizes the chances of further damage. After that time has passed, it is best to consider it black water and get the help of a flood, water, and mold damage expert. Cleanup for this category of water requires extra safety measures during the cleanup process, as well as advanced tools to eradicate mold growth and any lingering odors.
While some water damage may seem a breeze to clean up, taking a moment to consider the source of the problem is important for your safety. Instead of dealing with the hassle, count on a professional to make it “Like it never even happened.”