Dealing with restoration after a flood Water from a storm or a flood, or even from a burst pipe, can be a formidable force, leaving behind dangerous debris, contaminated water and food, and conditions which must be attended to in order to prevent future health problems. What are the basic steps in water damage restoration and foundation restoration? How do you know when it is time to call in a professional to deal with flood damage? Water Damage There are two types of water that can damage your home, and each needs to be treated differently. If the water is fresh or clean (rainwater and sometimes water from a burst pipe can fall into this category), quick action and slight drywall repair may be all you need. On the other hand, contaminated sewer water, known as black water, will require a meticulous cleanup and disposal. If there is carpet involved, prepare to remove all of it and the pad underneath, as the multitude of dangerous organisms that live in black water cannot simply be eradicated from the material. If you're dealing with black water, you'll need the help of professional water damage contractor.