Lets start with the 3 types of water.

 

Clean Water (Cat 1)

Is rain water that comes from a window or water that comes from a tap that was accidentally left open. Clean water poses no threats to health.

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Grey Water (Cat 2)

Is water that is discharged from major appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Grey water contains chemical and biological pollutants that can cause illness.

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Black Water ( Cat 3)

Is sewage water or flood water from ground sources such as overflowing rivers and streams. Black water constitutes an extreme health risk.

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Flood water contains contaminants that can cause serious illness or disease. Some of these include 

bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses and can cause serious illnesses including bacterial infections, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Leptospirosis, infections by Cryptosporidium & Giardia and gastrointestinal diseases.

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I will discuss the procedure we use to cleanup Category 3 water damage.

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Remember this water is very contaminated, so gloves, rubber boots, respirators, and eye protection are needed.
 

Here is the short summary: 

The height of the water can change the approach but the basics are to

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Remove all wet material including upholstered furniture, rugs, mattresses, pillows, stuffed animals, baby toys, paper products, books, flooring, carpet, padding, laminate, vinyl, wood, wall coverings, paneling, drywall, any contents that can not be cleaned and sanitized, depending on situation cabinets, doors, door frames and trim.

 

Structural wood is usually left in place.

Remove all bulk debris, apply a sanitizing cleaner to all surfaces, then power wash disposing contaminated run off in a sanitary sewer. Apply peroxide cleaning solution and scrub, remove any debris with wet dry vac. Apply antimicrobial solution and dry down. After dry apply 

antimicrobial solution again.

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This is one approach to the cleaning process there are many factors that dictate the process that would fit your situation. 

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The 2 most important things is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN !!!!!!!! & WEAR PROTECTION

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After this process is completed you will need a detailed report from your contractor stating the process used, chemicals used, dry down data, and pictures.

Before you just build back you will need a clearance certificate from a Mold Assessment Consultant (MAC) stating your home is dry, clean, and mold free. 

 

Hope this was helpful.

If you would like any information on our process, documentation, chemicals, or just need help with your home please contact me. 

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