Dealing With Water Damage in the Home

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage in Oklahoma City

Water damage to your Oklahoma City, OK, home is a frightening prospect. However, knowing a little about the different types of water and the cleanup process can make the situation less stressful.

Water Categories

There are three classifications of water. These classifications are determined by the amount and type of contamination present.

1. Clean water is uncontaminated. This water is usually from pipes, rainwater or snow melt. Generally, this water is not harmful.
   
2. Gray water is slightly contaminated, usually with soap or other chemicals. This type of water comes from appliance drains, aquariums, etc. This category may be harmful, so use caution when cleaning up.
   
3. Black water is highly contaminated and poses health risks. Flood water and sewage are in this category. Be very careful with this type of water.
   
   

It is important to note that water begins in one category but will become contaminated with time. Within two days, clean water becomes gray water and gray water becomes black water. It is crucial to act quickly when dealing with standing water.

Cleanup Process

When dealing with a flood, the cleanup process varies depending on the cause of the water damage and the contamination level. However, the process usually follows a similar pattern. The first step is removing the standing water. Wet/dry vacuums and pumps come in handy here. After extracting as much of the water as possible, it is important to dry out any remaining moisture. Heavy-duty dehumidifiers, fans and open windows can all speed up this process. While the area is drying out, examine the objects and surfaces that were affected by the water. Some material, such as carpet and insulation, may not be salvageable. Things that cannot be effectively dried and cleaned should be discarded to prevent mold spreading to surrounding items. After the area is fully dried, you should sanitize the surfaces the water came into contact with using commercial cleaners or a bleach mixture.
Regardless of the type of water damage you experience, a professional restoration company can return your home to pre-flood condition quickly and safely.