Categories of Water Damage and Health Risks
Our water restoration team is trained in the latest remediation techniques to determine the best plan for your property. There are three categories of water based on the level of contamination that may be present:
Water that escapes from a clean and sanitary source such as faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc. Carpeting, personal belongings and other soft goods can usually be professionally dried and restored. It is possible for category one to quickly degrade into category two if not dealt with right away.
Grey water or water that is contaminated with chemical, physical, or biological elements. Water that travels through another material such as insulation, drywall, etc. that may cause illness is also considered category two. Sources include dishwasher or washing machine overflows. This type of water damage requires additional cleaning and decontamination steps be taken to prevent illness.
Water contains significant pathogens and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Also called “black water,” category three water includes sewer backups, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflows or stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.