It’s every commercial property owner’s nightmare: a call about a flood in the building. It doesn’t matter if it’s a weekend, holiday, or the middle of the night, water damage waits for no one.

“Flooding always seems to strike at the worst possible time, and the pressure to act quickly is intense,” says Kevin Sullivan, President of Paul Davis Restoration of Northern Virginia. “But the response is often more complex than it appears.”

At Paul Davis Canada, we understand the urgency and the science behind effective flood response. Not all floodwater is the same, and each type requires a specific approach.

Understanding the 3 Types of Floodwater

Black Water (Category 3)

This is the most dangerous and contaminated water. It may contain:

• Sewage
• Agricultural runoff
• Chemicals, heavy metals, oils, and animal waste
• Stormwater or toilet backflows
  
  

Our approach
We use full personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks or respirators. Our team disinfects, deodorizes, and removes most contaminated materials. Strict safety protocols control the spread of contaminants, including testing, restricted access, and careful disposal.

Grey Water (Category 2)

This water contains moderate contamination from:

• Dishwashers
• Sinks
• Washing machines
  
  

Our approach
Technicians wear light PPE and use professional drying equipment. Affected materials are cleaned or replaced, and we ensure the area is safe and sanitary.

Clean Water (Category 1)

This water is typically from a clean source such as:

• A broken water supply line
• Overflowing sinks
• Leaking water tanks
  
  

Our approach
We act quickly to remove water, deploy industrial drying systems, and repair or replace materials damaged by moisture, no specialized PPE or handling is required.

Our Promise: Fast, Certified, and Comprehensive Service

Regardless of water type, Paul Davis measures moisture in every surface and structure to ensure complete drying. We work proactively to prevent mould growth and structural damage.

“It’s a rapid, professional, and scientific response that can be activated any time of day,” says Sullivan. “When things go wrong, we do what’s right.”

Call Paul Davis Canada at 1-800-661-5975 for expert commercial flood recovery, 24/7.