Remediating Flood Damage In Crab Orchard Homes

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO assesses the type of water in a home to create an effective plan for removal.

Types of water found in homes after flood damage

Crab Orchard homeowners deal with many types of flooding. Most water in a home comes from sources like a failed water heater or a split line on a washing machine. When the threat is from outside the home, it can mean an additional set of problems.

Since Crab Orchard flood damage can come from inside and outside sources, SERVPRO technicians are prepared to deal with gray water and black water. Both types are contaminated and present additional precautions and requirements when removing them from home.

Gray water is also called sullage. Usually, it is all wastewater generated in a home that does not contain feces. Often, this water backs up into a home after outside floodwater overwhelms the local storm drains and sewer systems. Sources of gray water include flooding from bath and shower drains, kitchen and bathroom sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers.

If gray water is present, SERVPRO technicians wear protective boots to prevent it from contaminating clothing. Before beginning to remove it, team members spray the surface with a chemical agent to neutralize bacteria that might be on the surface. Our specialists then use a combination of pumps and extraction wands to remove the gray water from the home. If the local sewer system is available, they can pump the water directly into it.

Blackwater contains or is thought to contain, feces and other contaminants which means a high probability of even more harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. Sources of black water include water from creeks and rivers which crested their banks and backed-up sewers which were pushed into the home by floodwater. Extreme flooding can also disturb septic systems, which can send hundreds of gallons of contaminated water into a home.

If a SERVPRO team leader even suspects there is black water in the home, every technician dons a protective suit, boots, and even a breathing mask if needed. They spray the surface of the water and all nearby property with an anti-bacterial agent to reduce the risk of any pathogens and other bacteria. Blackwater is not considered safe to pump directly into a sewer system, so our restoration team brings in a tank truck to receive all water they remove from the home.

Removing flood water and remediating the damage can a time-consuming and challenging task. Our goal at SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is to reduce the property damage and health risk of contaminated floodwater by quickly removing it from your home. If you need our services, call us today at (931) 250-5333. We are here for you.

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