Understanding Your Stormwater Damage

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

When your Chester County home or business suffers stormwater damage, it is important to identify what type of damage you’re dealing with.  This will help you to determine what steps to take next as well as what the stormwater means for the affected areas and your overall health.

There are three types of water:

Clean Water

This is water from a source such as rainwater.  Water from a broken pipe is also considered a source of clean water damage.

Gray Water

This is slightly contaminated water.  When stormwater is left untreated, bacteria and other contaminants begin to grow and cause a problem.  This can occur with water from a pipe leak or other plumbing issue as well.

Black Water

This is highly contaminated and dangerous water that is filled with fungi, bacteria, or even chemicals.  Sewage and floodwater are two common forms of this type of damage.

When you are faced with clean stormwater damage, be sure to turn off the circuit breakers in the damaged areas of the building, and do not enter those areas.  Remove excess water and move items that may be sensitive to moisture such as artwork and computer equipment.  When the water damage is caused from a plumbing issue, shut off the water source or have a certified professional do so. 

When the stormwater is contaminated, stay clear of the areas and allow a biohazard professional to handle the cleanup properly.  Do not turn on the HVAC system or use fans to dry the affected areas, since the air can potentially spread the contaminants.  Discard any items that have been affected by the damage.

SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford can handle all forms of water and storm damage in our local Chester County area.  We also specialize in biohazard events where contaminated water is present.  Often, advanced cleaning techniques are necessary to fully restore the affected areas when this type of damage is involved.

No matter the form of storm damage you may suffer, SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford is here to help!  This includes services for reconstruction such as drywall installation and roof repairs.  We are always prepared to make your storm damage event “Like it never even happened.”