PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services 
Water damage can strike suddenly and bring unforeseen challenges to even the most prepared homeowners and business owners. If left unaddressed, water can cause significant harm to your property within a matter of hours. This is why it’s crucial to rely on professional water damage cleanup and restoration services equipped with industrial-grade tools and machinery.
At PuroClean Emergency Recovery Service New Jersey, we understand the urgency and complexity of water damage situations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the types of water damage, essential considerations when facing water damage, and provide a real-life example of a water damage restoration scenario.
Types of Water Damage
Water damage can be categorized into three main types, each with its own set of considerations and risks.
Category 1: Clean Water
Category 1 water damage involves clean water sources, such as water damage from broken pipes, an overflowing sink, or rainwater. The health risks associated with Category 1 water damage are relatively low, provided the situation is addressed within 48 hours. If left untreated beyond this timeframe, the water-damaged materials can become exposed to various contaminants, elevating the situation to Category 2.
Category 2: Greywater
Category 2 water damage, also known as greywater, includes water from equipment discharges and chemical waste sources like detergent, laundry, and soap. Greywater can foster microbial growth, posing mild to severe contamination risks for individuals involved. As with all water damage, the severity of the situation escalates with time. It’s crucial for you, your family, or your employees to exercise caution, as both direct and indirect exposure to greywater can be harmful to personal health and property.
Category 3: Black Water
Category 3 water damage is the most dangerous and involves black water from sources like sewers or water containing grease, oil, urine, and more. This type of water damage easily becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and other toxic allergens, making it extremely hazardous. Research indicates that the risk of infection or illness after direct or indirect exposure to black water is more than 90%. When dealing with black water, it is imperative to exercise extreme caution and seek the expertise of professionals.
Considerations When Facing Water Damage
Health and Safety
The safety and well-being of property occupants should always be the top priority when dealing with water damage. If the situation appears to be out of control at any stage, ensure that all family members or employees vacate the property immediately. Your safety is paramount.
Containment
Efforts should be made to identify the source of water damage and contain it. For instance, if dealing with a broken or leaking pipe, the use of waterproof tape can temporarily prevent further damage while waiting for experts to arrive. If the situation appears more pressing than you can manage, promptly contact a reputable restoration company. Their experts can assess the severity of the damage and take swift action.
Protective Measures
If it is safe and accessible, consider moving all furniture and furnishings likely to be affected by water to a dry location for storage. Items that have come into contact with water are susceptible to developing mold growth if not dried correctly.
Water Damage Restoration Situations: A Real-Life Example
To provide you with insight into the meticulous process of water damage restoration, let’s delve into a real-world scenario.
Example: A Burst Hot Water Tank in a Commercial Complex
Imagine an older hot water tank in a building occupied by a woodworking business. The area features a steel frame and a concrete floor that is not very porous. Suddenly, the hot water tank bursts, ejecting 200 gallons of fresh water in a mechanical room. The room consists of steel studs and wallboards made of gypsum.
While most of the water drains into the floor, approximately 70 gallons escape into the workshop itself, which is covered in sawdust.
Here are the precise steps followed by our expert team in this situation:
Safety Assessment: The team conducted a thorough examination of the area to identify any unrelated safety hazards, such as electrical cords and appliances. The power supply to anything that might be in danger was promptly cut off.
Water Source Control: The water shutoff valve was located and the flow of water was immediately stopped. A professional plumber was summoned to remove the defective hot water tank and replace it.
Drain Inspection: The drain was inspected to ensure that it was not blocked and had not caused the water to enter the workshop.
Wet Material Removal: Any materials that had become wet, including sawdust, were either removed for proper disposal or dried away from the shop.
Moisture Cleanup: Any residual water on the floor was meticulously mopped up or sponged.
Ventilation: To facilitate drying and prevent mold growth, all doors and windows were opened to allow for adequate ventilation.
Drying Equipment: Since the shop encompassed approximately 1000 square feet, two powerful air movers (each with ½ horsepower) were deployed to ensure thorough drying of the floor. Additionally, a small dehumidifier capable of removing 14 pints of moisture every 24 hours was utilized to maintain optimal moisture levels.
Safety Gear: Throughout the restoration process, the team used appropriate protective equipment, including gloves and rubber boots, to ensure their safety.
How We Can Help
Dealing with water damage can be a complex and challenging task, especially when time is of the essence. The key to mitigating damage and preventing microbial growth is taking swift action within the first 48 hours. This is where the expertise of water restoration specialists becomes invaluable.
At PuroClean Emergency Recovery Service New Jersey, we specialize in professional water removal and restoration services. Our team has successfully assisted countless residential and commercial customers in recovering from water damage situations, both big and small. We understand that every water damage situation is unique and requires a tailored approach.
Our company has a proven track record of reestablishing businesses and restoring communities impacted by various disasters, from hurricanes to tornadoes to commercial water damage due to burst pipes and extreme weather.
With PuroClean Emergency Recovery Service New Jersey, you can count on:
Prompt Response: We are available 24/7 to respond to your water damage emergencies promptly.
Skilled Professionals: Our experienced technicians are equipped with the latest tools and training to handle a wide range of water damage scenarios.
Comprehensive Services: From water removal to drying and restoration, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to address all your water damage needs.
Peace of Mind: We work closely with insurance companies to streamline the claims process and alleviate financial stress during this challenging time.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact PuroClean Emergency Recovery Service New Jersey at (877) 750-7876 for expert assistance with your water damage restoration needs. Your property and peace of mind are our top priorities.
PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services 