Being a homeowner means sometimes dealing with sudden disasters like floods, leaks, or plumbing problems. No one wants to think about water damage in their home, but if it does happen, you might wonder if you can clean it up on your own. ServiceMaster of Baltimore has helped families deal with property damage for decades, so we know a thing or two about when to call a professional. Learn more about when you can DIY water damage cleanup and when you need to give ServiceMaster a call.
Types of Water: Clean, Gray, Black
Did you know that there are three types of water in terms of what damages property? Deciding whether you can clean up the flood on your own depends on what type of water you’re dealing with, as certain types are more dangerous. In addition to the type of water you’re dealing with, you’ll also want to understand how much space was damaged (in square footage) and how much water there is left to remove. A few inches of water in the basement is a different project than a small plumbing leak!
Clear Water: DIY Small Amounts
Clear water is, as the name suggests, clear in appearance and is usually from a busted pipe or rainwater. This type of water is low in contaminants like bacteria and mold, and in small amounts, homeowners can probably manage this job on their own. Clear water damage is usually easily dealt with once the underlying problem is addressed, such as a leaky pipe or a roof leak.
Gray Water: DIY or Call A Professional
Does the water smell musty but look kind of clear? You might be dealing with gray water, which has an increased level of contaminants than clear water, but is still considered sanitary. Gray water is what results from showers, dishwashers, and sinks, which contains soap, oils, and other byproducts of domestic life. In small amounts, you can likely deal with this yourself, but if there is standing water or you are unsure of the source, you’ll want to call ServiceMaster.
Black Water: Call A Professional
This type of water is considered unsanitary, involving sewage, severe floods from natural disasters, or other human waste. Black water is extremely dangerous, as it contains bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other particles that pose a risk to your health. Homeowners should not attempt to clean up black water on their own, because it requires specialized equipment and precautions to minimize exposure and further damage to your home.
ServiceMaster of Baltimore Water Damage Cleanup
When in doubt, call ServiceMaster! Our team of experts provides services such as reconstruction, drying, cleaning, and returning your property to its pre-loss condition and will guide you through every step of the process. We offer seamless, peace of mind service from start to finish with complete project management so you can return to a safe and healthy home.