Most home and business owners know that water can cause serious damage to your property. However, many don’t realize that not all water is equal. There are different concerns based on the source of your water damage. When you call out a property restoration company like the team at RestorePro Inc, one of the first considerations is the type of water involved. That affects the water damage restoration process from the very beginning.

Many water related events involve clean water. This type often comes from rainwater, and can also result from leaking or burst pipes. This kind of water can cause damage to flooring, walls, and other parts of the building. It can destroy belongings and lead to mold if it isn’t cleaned up quickly, but otherwise doesn’t pose a health risk.

Gray water comes from sources like dishwater and bathtub drains. It isn’t clean and may contain some bacteria and other undesirable substances. Like clean water, it usually doesn’t pose a significant health risk but should be cleaned up right away.

Black water is different from the other types. It comes from sources like burst pipes, flooding waterways, overflowing toilets, and backed up sewage lines. It needs to be cleaned up by professionals immediately. In addition to the risks of mold and other damage that clean and gray water pose, black water carries additional risks. It contains bacteria and other pathogens that can lead to serious disease.

When a team is dealing with black water, they might wear waterproof or disposable clothing. Face masks or air filters, gloves, and eye protection are also important tools when dealing with potentially dangerous black water. Many locales require that materials removed from this type of event be handled or disposed of in a certain way. This can prevent the spread of disease if there are dangerous bacteria and pathogens present.

If you do experience a black water event, the first step is to call in experts. It is not a good idea to try to remove the water yourself. Large amounts of water are removed using pumps and vacuums. Thorough drying might require fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers.

Porous materials such as flooring and drywall will be removed, along with any destroyed possessions. Salvageable items will be cleaned and sanitized. Tile, metals, and glass can usually be cleaned, but carpet and other absorbent materials usually have to be replaced.

Whatever the type of water involved, fast action is the key to minimizing damage. Any type of water that is left for too long will lead to mold and mildew. Black water is especially dangerous, as it can carry bacteria and other pathogens that lead to disease.

In business since 1997, the team of experts at RestorePro Inc has the experience and training to handle all of your property restoration needs. We handle fire and smoke damage, mold remediation, water damage, and other problems. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and our representatives will help you to get started restoring your property to pre-event condition.