When you experience Water damage, your water type is divided into one of three categories. Each of these categories must be dealt with differently. If handled incorrectly, you could set yourself up to have a future mold problem or indoor air quality issue, which leads to health issues of your household.

These categories are determined by the source of the water intrusion, the time elapsed between the flood occurrence and the drying or cleanup and can also be changed if the environment the water has been exposed to contains contaminates.

The most common category is a Clean Water flood, also known as Category 1.

A clean water flood means that this water came from a clean source and does not pose a big risk from exposure.  An example of a clean source is a supply line break or a pipe break.  Once a flood occurs from this source, if the flood is handled immediately, you can typically salvage all items that were exposed to the water.  Yes, this includes carpet and pad!  A clean water flood is the only water intrusion that can be dried in place.  This is usually the least intrusive drying of all and has minimal to no restoration at the end.

The next category of flood is a Gray Water flood, also known as Category 2.

A gray water flood means the water source contains significant contamination and could pose a potential health risk to the occupants if exposure occurs.  In this case, contaminates could include detergents, additives, urine, chlorine, even salt.  Some examples of a gray water flood are broken salt aquariams, water beds, washing machine or dishwasher overflows or discharge, and overflows from toilets if there is no feces AND it does not originate from behind the trap.  When gray water is exposed to other building materials, a structure that had previous water losses or is older, or a structure that has poor general housekeeping, the cleanliness of this water can deteriorate and become the worst category pretty quickly.  A Category 2 flood must be handled immediately to prevent this from occurring.

The doozie of a flood is a Black Water flood, also known as Category 3.

You guessed it.  This flood type is grossly contaminated with pathogens, toxigens and other harmful agents.  Some examples are sewage water, any flooding from seawater, rising water from streams or rivers, and rain water intrusion.  The most common is a toilet backflow from behind the trap.  Most people believe that if it is clear and contains no matter or color, then it is so.  Think again!  Even clear water from behind the trap can carry pathogens, ie. viruses, bacteria, etc.  These are naked to the eye and should be treated with extreme caution.   Water being carried in from rising waters, seawater and even roof leaks can contain silts, organic matter (bird poop!), pesticides and other toxic substances which can be harmful to your health.

Knowing which category of flood you are dealing with determines how you approach the drying and evaluation of the materials in the property.  You need to know the category to know what is salvageable and what is not.

Need help, call us today.  We are an IICRC Certified Firm offering free estimates and free infrared photography.  Choose Green!

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Categories: Water Damage