Water damage can range from minor to severe, and it’s important to assess the extent of the damage in order to determine the best course of action. Here are some tips on how to assess and deal with specific types of water damage:

## Assessing Water Damage

### How do you know if water damage is permanent?

The following are some signs that water damage may be permanent:

– **Discoloration:** Water-damaged drywall or wood will often have a brown or yellow discoloration. This discoloration is caused by the growth of mold and mildew, which can be difficult to remove.

– **Warped or Buckled:** Water-damaged drywall or wood may also become warped or buckled. This is caused by the expansion and contraction of the material as it dries.

– **Musty Smell:** A musty smell is a sign of mold and mildew growth. This smell can be difficult to remove, and it can indicate that the water damage is permanent.

## Dealing with Specific Types of Water Damage

### Clean Water

Clean water is water that has not been contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials. If your home has been damaged by clean water, you can clean it up yourself using the following steps:

1. Remove all standing water from your home.

2. Open windows and doors to ventilate your home.

3. Remove all wet items from your home and place them in a dry location.

4. Clean all surfaces that have been exposed to water with a disinfectant.

5. Dry out your home completely using fans and dehumidifiers.

### Dirty Water

Dirty water is water that has been contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials. If your home has been damaged by dirty water, you should not attempt to clean it up yourself. Instead, you should call a professional water damage cleanup company.