Belmont Flood Damage from Different Types of Water

6/5/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO after flooding to help assess the situation and remediate the damage. We are standing by 24/7 for your emergency call.

SERVPRO Can Extract Contaminated Water from Your Belmont Home After Storm Damage

Much of the destruction we restore in homes comes from water. Most of that comes from threats inside the house, specifically, broken water pipes and failing appliances. Usually, the water from these incidents is Clean and removed with a standard restoration plan. If the water is Gray or Black, then additional steps must be taken.

Removing water and restoring order to a flood damaged Belmont home requires a professional service with training and experience. SERVPRO has decades in the restoration business and has developed a plan to deal with each of these three categories of flood water.

Flood Damage Restoration for Clean Water

Clean Water is treated water that contains no waste. The sources for this type of flooding are a burst pipe, an overflowing sink or tub, or defective appliances. An example would be when homeowners return after a weekend trip to find the water dispenser on their brand-new refrigerator has failed. The flooding is not deep, but it does leave water over several rooms. Fortunately, Clean water poses few health risks, and the only damage here would be the carpet pads and perhaps one or more rugs.

Gray Water Clean Up

Gray Water is used water that contains waste, but not human waste. It can be Clean Water that, after sufficient exposure, absorbs chemicals, dirt, and debris. Sources for this flooding are an overflowing washing machine that spills across the floor or a toilet overflow that does not contain solid waste. Gray water does not spread disease, but direct contact could make a person sick. Damages here are the carpet pads and carpets. The pads may be cleaned under certain circumstances, but it is rarely ever cost-effective to thoroughly clean carpets with even this small level of contamination. In addition to pumping out the water, our technicians spray and clean the affected surfaces with an antimicrobial agent to ensure a clean result.

Cleaning Up after a Sewer Backup

Black Water is unsanitary and contains human waste in most incidents. Sources for this type of contamination are backed-up sewer lines and failed septic tanks. The source may be floodwaters or streams that have picked up contaminants along their journeys. Our technicians must wear protective boots, clothing, and gloves when dealing with this category of flood water. We do not recommend anyone else come into the home until we have finished work. Unlike Gray, Black Water can spread disease if left untreated long enough. Depending on if the local sewer system is functioning, we may have to pump out the water into a truck and dispose of it at a treatment plant. Everything Black Water contacts must be cleaned with a biocide or an antimicrobial agent and allowed to dry. Once done, we inspect it and clean it again if necessary.

In most cases, restoring your home is a matter of removing the standing water and drying out your carpets and floors. When the flooding is contaminated, you need a professional service that ensures your home is clean and safe to live in once again. Dehumidifiers, air movers, and heaters may also be deployed to ensure that your home appears "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of The Lakes Region stands ready to help neighbors here in New Hampshire put their house back together. Call us at (603) 527-2518 today.