Water damage has the ability to destroy homes and businesses, yet all water damage is not equal. Of all water damage types, two of the worst are flood damage and sewage damage, which involve unique approaches to cleaning and restoring them. Understanding the fundamental differences between flood damage cleanup vs. sewage damage cleanup is vital for proper recovery and safety.

What is the Difference Between Flood Damage and Water Damage?

Water damage typically includes any water entry leading to damage of a building due to a busted pipe, roofing leak, or appliance failure. Flood damage specifically results from natural source water that overflows and causes damage from rivers overflowing their banks, heavy rain, or storm surges.

Flood damage tends to incorporate contaminants from sources outside, where typical water damage from a failed plumbing system would be cleaner to deal with and less complex in nature.

What is Flooding Damage?

Flood damage happens when too much water inundates a region that normally does not get wet. Floodwater can enter residential homes, business buildings, and infrastructure, resulting in severe structural damage. Unlike ordinary water leaks, flood damage tends to be extensive and involves toxic substances like sewage, chemicals, and debris.

What Are the Damages of Flooding?

Floods bring tremendous damage that may be both to property and health. Some of the most common damages are:

• Structural Damage: Water compromises foundations, walls, and floors, making them unstable.
• Mold Growth: Excess moisture provides ideal breeding conditions for mold, which can be hazardous to health.
• Electrical Hazards: Exposed water to electrical appliances may result in short circuits and burning hazards.
• Contamination Risks: Floodwater is mostly contaminated with bacteria, sewage, and toxic chemicals.
• Loss of Personal Property: Furniture, electronics, and personal belongings can be destroyed irreparably.

What is an Example of Flood Damage?

A prime example of flood damage is what occurs following a massive hurricane or storm surge. When rivers overflow and ocean water is forced inland by torrential rains, buildings and businesses are filled with dirty water. This can lead to serious structural damage, foundation collapse, and extensive mold growth.

For instance, in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, extensive areas of New Orleans were overflowing with water as a result of levee breaches, leaving houses, roads, and infrastructure greatly devastated. The buildings were not only flooded but were also covered with poisonous sludge that needed mass cleanup and demolition in the majority of cases.

In recent times, hurricanes and flash flooding have also resulted in significant billions of dollars’ worth of destruction, proving the destructive energy of unregulated floodwaters. Even minor-scale flooding incidents, like a neighborhood river overflowing due to heavy rainfall, can devastate homes, and homeowners are left with huge cleanup and restoration issues.

What is Water Damage Cleanup?

Water damage restoration is the removal, drying, and restoration of contaminated areas after an event of water intrusion. This procedure entails:

• Emergency water removal service
• Drying and dehumidification
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Restoration of damaged areas

The contamination level of the water dictates the intensity of the process. Clean water from a ruptured pipe needs a less thorough process than flood or sewage-contaminated water.

How Do You Clean Water Damage?

The cleanup procedure varies with the category and extent of the water damage. The general steps are:

• Water Extraction: Employing industrial-grade vacuums and pumps to extract standing water.
• Drying and Dehumidifying: Employing air movers and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture.
• Cleaning and Sanitization: Disinfecting surfaces to eliminate bacteria, mold spores, and contaminants.
• Repair and Restoration: Replacing damaged drywall, flooring, and insulation as necessary.

For flood damage restoration versus sewage damage restoration, the extent of contamination determines extra precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and more potent disinfectants for sewage damage situations.

Key Differences Between Flood Damage Cleanup and Sewage Damage Cleanup

1. Contamination Level

• Flood Water: Ranges from quite clean (rainwater) to very contaminated (storm surges and river overflows).
• Sewage Water: “Black water,” or containing bacteria, viruses, and parasites that have serious health threats.

2. Health Risks

• Flooding Risks: High risk of exposure to bacteria, chemicals, and allergens causing skin irritation and respiratory problems.
• Sewage Risks: Increased risk of exposure to hazardous pathogens like E. coli, hepatitis, and gastroenteritis infections.

3. Cleanup Process

• Flood Damage Cleanup: Involves removing debris, drying areas, and disinfecting surfaces.
• Sewage Damage Cleanup: Requires extensive sanitation, the use of specialized cleaning agents, and potential structural repairs due to contamination.

4. Insurance Coverage

• Flood Damage: Typically requires separate flood insurance, as most standard homeowners’ policies do not cover natural flooding events.
• Sewage Backup: Some homeowners’ insurance policies cover sewage damage if caused by an internal plumbing failure, but not always for external sewer backups.

5. Water Source

• Flood Water: Originates from excessive rainfall, overflowing rivers, hurricanes, or melting snow.
• Sewage Water: Comes from backed-up sewer lines, toilet overflows, or septic system failures.

Which of the Following Functions is Not Performed by Damage Cleanup Services?

Professional water damage cleanup services perform water removal, drying, sanitizing, and structural work. They do not:

• Don’t provide plumbing repairs for ruptured pipes (a licensed plumber is required for this service).
• Restore irreplaceable personal items like photographs or paper documents (though some specialty services might attempt restoration).
• Perform unrelated construction services beyond what is necessary to repair water-damaged areas.

Green Planet Restoration: Your Trusted Partner in Flood and Sewage Damage Cleanup

When disaster happens, it is now a must to have a trusted restoration company at your back. Green Planet Restoration is an expert in flood damage cleanup vs. sewage damage cleanup, offering premium services to restore homes and businesses quickly. Our certified experts adhere to industry-best practices to provide safe and complete cleanup, reducing health hazards and structural damage.

Why Choose Green Planet Restoration?

• 24/7 Emergency Response: We recognize that water damage needs to be addressed immediately, so we provide 24/7 emergency services.
• Expert Technicians: Our trained technicians are well-equipped with sophisticated equipment and protective gear to tackle both flood and sewage damage in a safe manner.
• Full Restoration Services: From emergency water extraction services to full restoration, we oversee every aspect of the cleanup process.
• Eco-Friendly Solutions: We employ eco-friendly cleaning solutions to provide safety without sacrificing efficiency.
• Insurance Support: Working through insurance claims can be complicated; our staff assists in simplifying the process so you receive the coverage you are entitled to.

For professional emergency water extraction services, contact Green Planet Restoration to get expert assistance in flood and sewage cleanup, ensuring a safe and thorough restoration process.