If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (608) 497-3331

To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. You may want to try one of the following alternatives:

Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

When your Business or home Suffers Water Damage, Understanding what Type of Water you are Dealing with is Critical

6/19/2021 (Permalink)

a guy in SERVPRO ready uniform on an portable extractor in an office space for a commercial water loss Water, Flood, or Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331 24/7 emergency service. Serving Madison, WI

There are Three Types/Categories of Water

The water restoration Process varies according to the type of water loss. 

  1. Clean water, as referred to as Category 1 water, is water from a broken pipe or other water sources inside the property; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water.
  2. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Gray water is referred to as Category 2 water in the water restoration industry.
  3. Blackwater, also referred to as Category 3 water, is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals, and more. Blackwater is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding, or any type of natural disaster. Blackwater/Category 3 water and should always be handled by trained professionals.

When you have water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO® of Dane County West. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive:

Water Damage Tips - What to Do 

  • Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so. 
  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist. 
  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
  • Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying. 
  • Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place. 
  • Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining. 
  • Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner. 
  • Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Water Damage Tips - What to Do if You have Contaminated (Category 2 or 3) Water Damage

  • Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items. 
  • Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas. 
  • Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
  • Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants. 
  • Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

The SERVPRO Water Restoration Process

Water or Flood Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today – (608) 497-3331

When water, flood, storm, or fire damage takes control of your life, we are Here to Help® and will assist you in every step of the cleanup, restoration, and rebuild process. SERVPRO of Dane County West professionals has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”®

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • General Contractor License #: 1317784
  • IICRC Certified Firm
  • A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Angie's List, Google, and Facebook recommended with an A-rated reputation.
  • SERVPRO works with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
  • Proudly serving Dane County, Madison, WI area

What our Customers say...Testimonials

Other News

View Recent Posts