Why the Type of Water Damage Matters
Restoration decisions should be based on the actual water source and conditions, not just how the water looks. Water from a broken supply line, an appliance, a drain backup, and exterior flooding can present very different cleanup considerations.
Relatively clean water sources
Examples can include broken supply lines or certain appliance supply failures. Even water that starts relatively clean can become more problematic as it contacts dirty surfaces or remains in materials over time.
Water with increased contamination
Water from some appliance discharges, drain sources, or other affected systems may contain contaminants that change what can be cleaned or dried in place.
Sewage and exterior floodwater
Sewage backups and outside floodwater should be treated with greater caution because they can contain microorganisms and other contaminants. See sewage cleanup or flood damage cleanup.
Do not diagnose by color alone
Water can look clear and still come from a source that changes the cleanup approach. Tell the restoration provider where the water came from, how long it has been present, and what materials it contacted.
Need help with water damage in Provo?
Call and describe what happened, where the water came from, and which areas are affected.