Water damage is a common occurrence that can cause significant damage to your home or business. Identifying and assessing the damage is the first step in getting it repaired.

**When should I worry about water damage?**

You should contact a water damage repair professional if you notice any of the following:

* Standing water or moisture on your floors or walls
* Discoloration or staining on your ceilings or walls
* A musty or moldy smell
* Bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper
* Cracks in your foundation or walls

## Assessing Water Damage

The first step in assessing water damage is to determine the source of the water. This could be a broken pipe, a leaking roof, or a flood. Once you have identified the source, you can begin to assess the damage.

* **Check for visible damage.** Look for any signs of water damage, such as standing water, discoloration, or staining.
* **Feel for moisture.** Use your hands to feel for any dampness or moisture on your floors, walls, or ceilings.
* **Smell for mold.** Mold has a distinctive musty smell. If you smell mold, it is important to contact a water damage repair professional immediately.
* **Check for structural damage.** Look for any cracks or damage to your foundation or walls. This could be a sign of structural damage, which can be dangerous.

## Identifying Water Damage

Once you have assessed the damage, you need to identify the type of water damage. There are three main types of water damage:

* **Clean water damage** is caused by water that is free of contaminants. This type of damage is typically caused by a broken pipe or a leaking roof.
* **Gray water damage** is caused by water that contains contaminants, such as sewage or chemicals. This type of damage is typically caused by a flood or a burst pipe.
* **Black water damage** is caused by water that contains harmful bacteria or other contaminants. This type of damage is typically caused by a sewage backup or a flood.

It is important to identify the type of water damage so that you can get the appropriate repairs.

## Water Damage Repair

Once you have identified the type of water damage, you can begin the repair process. Water damage repair typically involves the following steps:

* **Extraction:** The first step is to extract the water from your home or business. This can be done using pumps, vacuums, or other equipment.
* **Drying:** Once the water has been extracted, the next step is to dry out your home or business. This can be done using fans, dehumidifiers, or other equipment.
* **Cleaning:** Once your home or business is dry, you need to clean it to remove any remaining contaminants. This can be done using bleach, disinfectants, or other cleaning products.
* **Repair:** Finally, you need to repair any damage that was caused by the water. This could involve repairing walls, ceilings, floors, or other structures.