Water is the most powerful of natural forces. When water damage strikes your home or business having a plan of action is essential. At Disaster Response our core value is to serve humbly. We do this by serving others in their time of need. We understand that a property disaster can be traumatic in a multitude of ways, this is why we make it a priority to be there for you in your time of need, by providing direction and a plan of action to get you back on your feet. Supplied below is a set of guidelines to help in the event of water damage. This article covers the varying types of water you may encounter, how to identify the source, and when to handle or not handle the water depending on it’s color and location of flow.
What Type of Water Damage am I Experiencing?
In dealing with water, it’s important to understand the quality of the water involved, and that water is separated into three categories for health-safety standards. Clean water, grey water, and black water: Category one, clean water is considered water that one can safely drink. This water is commonly found flowing through sink faucets, shower-heads, rain and snowfall, and is commonly associated with water leakage around faulty refrigerator lines, broken water lines, toilet tanks, and shower and sink overflows. Category one water damage is an instance in which the below check-sheet should be implemented.
Category two, grey water. This form of water is unsafe to drink and should be left alone to be handled by a professional team. This water likely contains chemicals, contaminates, and particle debris. In a category two water situation follow only the steps 1-4 in the check-sheet and leave the rest of the clean-up to our team of professionals. In as little as 48 hours, grey water can evolve into blackwater which is the most toxic of all waters. Grey water is most commonly seen stemming from washer exit lines, dishwashers and shower and sink drainage ways. At Disaster Response, we offer 24 hours response services, and will begin the drying out process, contents removal, and restoring of your property promptly. Our team will take on the responsibility of fully documenting all affected areas and items, and we will work alongside you and your insurance company to make sure things are taken care of professionally and to the highest level of excellence.
Category three, blackwater. Blackwater is the most toxic and contaminated form of water. If you suspect you are dealing with blackwater under no circumstances should you try to remove or come into contact with this substance if you are not a certified professional. Only implement step 4 in the below guidelines for this type of water damage. Blackwater contains hazardous particles including Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi, E.Coli and Campylobacter mycotoxins, and is commonly encountered in septic and sewage back-ups. When you see this type of water immediately remove yourself from the premises and give us a call (844-315-3100). We are expertly equipped with hazmat protective gear and our specialists are trained in bio-hazard and environmental disposal and clean-up.
Depending on the type of water, Category 1, 2, or 3, and the volume of water you are experiencing, the clean-up procedures below may vary.
- Turn off the supply of electricity to prevent further damage to you or your home
- Turn off the main water supply valve
- Contact a trusted plumber
- Call a professional restoration company along with your insurance company -Disaster Response (844)-315-3100
- Document the premises for insurance and personal record
- After proper documentation, begin capturing, closing off, and absorbing the water that you can with towels, mops, fans.
- Begin moving movable items out of the water zone and out of a clear exit path.
- Disaster Response arrives- we will begin the process of taking take care of your water damage needs.
- Secure a second place to stay if needed.
