Water damage can be a devastating event, causing significant damage to your home or business. It is essential to assess and identify water damage as quickly as possible to mitigate further damage and prevent health hazards.

### Assessing Water Damage

* **Inspect visible surfaces:** Check walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture for signs of water stains, discoloration, or warping.
* **Check hidden areas:** Use a moisture meter or infrared camera to detect moisture in carpets, under baseboards, and inside walls or crawl spaces.
* **Identify the source:** Determine where the water is coming from (e.g., a leaky roof, burst pipe, or flood).

### Identifying Water Damage

* **Category 1:** Clean water from a broken water supply line or a clean source.
* **Category 2:** Gray water from a dishwasher, washing machine, or toilet. Contains bacteria and requires thorough disinfection.
* **Category 3:** Black water from sewage, contaminated sources, or standing water for more than 48 hours. Contains harmful microorganisms and requires professional remediation.

### What to Spray After Water Damage?

* **Disinfectants:** Use EPA-registered disinfectants to kill bacteria and mold, such as bleach solutions or quaternary ammonium compounds.
* **Fungicides:** Apply fungicides to prevent mold growth, especially in areas with high moisture levels.
* **Enzyme cleaners:** Break down organic matter and odors caused by water damage.

### Professional Water Damage Repair

If water damage is significant or involves Category 2 or 3 water, it is recommended to seek professional water damage repair services. They can:

* Extract water and dry out the affected areas.
* Remove damaged materials and disinfect the property.
* Restore the structure and finishings to pre-damage condition.

By assessing water damage accurately and taking appropriate measures immediately, you can minimize the impact and restore your property to a safe and habitable state.