3 Types of Water Found in Commercial Floods

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Each incident involves different types of water that a commercial building restoration company will handle in a specific manner

Floods create powerful water damage that can harm your business establishment unless you take quick action. However, not every case is the same. Make the restoration process faster and easier by learning more about the three types of water you might encounter during commercial flooding.

White Water
This type of water is also known as clean water because it is essentially free from any polluting agents. This water comes from sources where it avoids the most contaminants.

Broken pipes
Rainwater
Melting snow
Defective appliances

Even though this is the type of water least damaging to the building, it can still affect the structure and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. You can prevent this by ensuring the water is removed immediately and the affected area is properly dried.

Gray Water
Unlike white water, gray water does include some pathogens that make it more hazardous and more damaging to the structures and objects that touch it. This water may come from a flood started by a malfunctioning toilet, dishwasher or washing machine. Therefore, it may include soap, skin particles or food grease. Water damage caused by this type of liquid can be more difficult to repair and strongly impact anyone cleaning it. You or the people handling gray water may need special equipment to avoid contact.

Black Water
Perhaps the most dangerous kind of water, it includes more powerful contaminants and toxic chemicals, such as sewage matter, dirt, pesticides and bacteria. This water can be harmful to others and it can greatly damage and taint your building, your appliances and anything else in your business. Experienced restoration specialists can use safety gear and special equipment to clear the dangerous water and repair the location.

The fluids involved in flooding can vary in source and composition. From relatively harmless clear water to the foul black water, you may need to identify it to effectively save your Summit, Lake, Park & Eagle Counties, CO business from water damage.