Is That Commercial Flood Water Clean?

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Help My Business Flooded!

Commercial buildings tend to have a fair share of water issues in a year, whether that be minor leaks or massive plumbing failures. Knowing when to call in a remediation company to your Charlotte, NC, business is paramount to saving money while also preventing serious damage. While most leaks do require professional help, you may be able to handle leaks that come from a clean water source. There are three primary sources of clean water, also known as category one water; supply line leak, pipe break, and appliance leak. If the water comes from one of these sources, it is likely category one water. 

Supply Line Leak

Supply line leaks are typically leaks from a clean water source. These leaks are often underneath sinks, however, they can occur in walls and ceilings depending on where pipes exist in your building. Be careful if freshwater touches or soaks other building materials, as that is no longer classified as clean water, meaning a professional should be called in to remove the damage. 

Pipe Break

As with supply line leaks, a broken pipe can also cause water loss from a clean source. However, while this may be clean water at first, it may not stay that way for long. When water touches other materials or chemicals, it goes from clean to greywater. Make sure to contact a professional if you are unsure of what category of water you are dealing with.

Appliance Leak

Beyond supply leaks and pipe breaks, an appliance failure is a common cause of clean source flooding. For example, supply hoses fail, valves break, among other issues that can cause pooling near the appliance. Unfortunately, some appliances can hide the leak until you remove it. If there is a sudden increase in utility bills but no visible leaks, be sure to check appliance leaks. Keep in mind, not all appliance leaks are clean water. A washing machine or dishwasher leak is often not clean water and should not be touched until a professional water remediation expert has inspected the damage. 

Clean water, or category one, leaks can often be resolved by the business owner, however, it does not take much water, or much time, to turn into grey or black water. And keep in mind, just because the water is clean, doesn’t mean it will be easy to dry. Many materials need professional drying equipment to remove the water before mold and staining set in. Contact SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County if you are not sure how to handle the problem and our team will make it "Like it never even happened."

To learn more about bacteria associated with flooding please review the CDC website.

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