How Do I Know If I Am Handling Black Water?

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Flood from contaminated water in a Sumner, OK school.

Ways To Identify The Type Of Water That Is Leaking Into Your Property

Not all leaks are equal in Sumner, OK. When you experience a severe leak or flood on your property, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent water damage. The water that enters a building is categorized by the following characteristics:

• Clean water
  
• Gently used water
  
• Contaminated wastewater
  
  

Here are some ways to identify the type of water that is leaking into your property.

Find the Source of the Water
Knowing the source of the water entering the building is the first way to identify unsanitary water. If the water is coming from a water supply line, it is unlikely to be harmful to your health. Water that is sourced from a drainage pipe or a clogged toilet is highly toxic and should be dealt with safely. Locate the leak to determine the type of water.

Clean Water and Gray Water Sources
Clean water is water that is drinkable. A clean water leak is not toxic but should be cleaned quickly to prevent water damage to the building. Gray water is somewhat contaminated, having been gently used in sinks, showers, or washing machines. Though gray water is lightly contaminated, it is not as toxic as category 3 water.

Category 3 Water
Category 3 water, or black water, is highly toxic and, in most cases, is sourced from sewage. This type of water should be handled with extra precaution. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and bodysuits, if you will be cleaning water from sewers or drainage pipes. It is best to contact a professional water cleanup and restoration service to clean and restore your property from category 3 water damage.
Your local SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster and can properly restore your property today. If you have experienced a leak or flood from contaminated water, be sure to contact the experts preferred by most insurance companies. Acting fast will prevent severe water damages to your property.