Why the Type of Water in a Flood Matters More Than the Amount of Water

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Clean vs. Contaminated Water after a Flood

A flooded home is always an unwelcome event, but there's more to water emergencies than most people realize. Water level isn't the only challenge and potential hazard involved, and whether the flood water is clean or contaminated plays a huge role in the cleanup process.
 
If you've experienced flood damage in Beverly, you may not be aware that whether items within your home can be restored heavily depends on whether the water is contaminated or not. Here are the differences between clean and contaminated flood water, and how we deal with each.
 
Clean Water
 
This type of flood damage comes from water that is not contaminated with any waste, hasn't been used, doesn't have organisms in it that can carry disease, and has been treated. For instance, if your water heater malfunctions and floods your basement, that water is likely to be clean as it's been sitting in an enclosed tank waiting to be used. Flood damage from burst pipes also commonly involves clean water.
 
Clean water poses the least risk to your family, and SERVPRO technicians will have a much better chance of saving items affected by it. Here are some of the things that we're typically able to restore in this situation:
 
- Carpet and carpet pads
- Books and documents
- Electronics and appliances
- Furniture
- Electronic media
 
Contaminated Water
 
Gray water and black water are both contaminated, and the difference between the two is that black water has solid waste and is potentially more hazardous. Gray water has been used, but it doesn't contain human or animal waste. Examples include water dumped from broken washing machines and dishwashers, and toilets that have overflowed when not in use.
 
Flood damage from natural disasters and storms, backed up sewage, and used toilets that have overflown are examples of black water. This is the riskiest type of water emergency to handle, which is why SERVPRO technicians take special precautions when dealing with black water.
 
Though area rugs, some possessions and furnishings, and appliances can often be saved when they've come into contact with contaminated water, carpet padding is thrown out for safety. Carpet can be cleaned if the flood is from gray water, but it's best for your family's health that it be thrown out if black water is involved.
 
The team at SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City have the tools and expertise needed to handle all types of water emergencies quickly. For a quote or to learn more about our flood damage services, call us at (773) 337-3900.