What You Need to Know About Black Water

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Liberty house surrounded by flooding waters

What You Need to Know About Black Water

While you may think that all water damage is the same, this is not necessarily true. The source of the water that has affected your Liberty, MO, home can make a big difference in the way you should handle it. Particularly if you have black water in your house, you will need to be careful. The following information can be helpful in this situation.

1. What Is Category 3 Water?

There are three categories of water, ranging from 1 to 3. The highest category is black water and is considered to be highly contaminated. When this water enters your home, it can carry with it bacteria, fungi, harsh chemicals and sewage. It may also bring dirt, mud and debris.

2. What Can Cause This Kind of Damage?

Highly contaminated water can come from multiple sources. A common cause is flooding. This is because rain mixes with sewer water that carries human waste and other contaminants. If you have an overflow in your toilet or other plumbing fixtures, this can sometimes be category 3 water as well, along with category 2 water that is not cleaned quickly.

3. What Should You Do About It?

If you have black water in your home, you should avoid contact with it. Wear protective gear if you plan to clean the area. Any food that has been touched by the water should be thrown out as it is no longer safe to eat. There can be exceptions for canned foods, as long as the package does not have any dents or damage. If you are unsure, toss it.
Because this water has such high levels of contamination, it is best to have a professional to perform flood or sewage cleanup. A cleanup and restoration company has the training and equipment to get the job done safely. They can make any necessary repairs to both your home and belongings.