Flooding can do more than damage items that come into contact with the water. If the water is contaminated, harmful pathogens can be spread throughout the building, causing significantly more damage. Containment systems, like those used in medical isolation, can be used to section off the building, preventing pathogens from spreading to other rooms.

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Contaminated Water

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Flood water can contain many harmful substances:

Feces
Urine
Toilet paper
Flushing water
Chemicals
Cleansing water

Some sources, such as sewage backup, can be more dangerous than others, such as rainwater. However, if you do know for sure that flood water is clean, it should be treated as contaminated.

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Containment

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Water damage restoration teams may use negative pressure systems to limit water damage to one location. They also serve as a type of medical isolation that prevents pathogens from spreading through the air by creating airtight seals in doorways and other exit points or by creating a chamber that surrounds the damage while it is dried and sanitized.

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Reusable Systems

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Sometimes, disposable options, such as tarps or plastic, are used to contain flooding. These methods are less effective in containing large floods. They are also vulnerable to damage from nails or other sharp object, and they are harder to create an airtight seal with. Instead, durable, reusable systems can be used to create an effective seal and withstand more wear and tear.

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Reusable systems also save time because they are much faster to install than hanging tarps or plastic. This increases revenue for restoration companies by decreasing labor costs associated with manually containing the area.

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When working with water damage, containment is crucial for minimizing damage. It not only isolates the water damage to one area, but it also prevents harmful microorganisms from spreading to other areas of the building. Utilizing reusable systems rather than disposable alternatives creates a better seal and saves time and money on installation.