What Is Category Three Water Damage?

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

The category of the water damage will determine how to clean your Rocky Mount, NC home.

Did you know that home floods are categorized as one of three types of water damage? The degree of damage is based on contamination level. Water damage can originate from various sources. These sources include everything from a leaking water supply line to an overflowing toilet to flooding rain. Each variety will require vastly different restoration techniques.

Category 1 water, classified as "clean water," is relatively harmless for humans, such as an overflowing bathtub, faulty appliance, or broken water pipe.

Category 2 water, classified as "grey water," contains enough biological, chemical, or physical contaminants to pose a significant risk to humans. This water could come from a leaking dishwasher, a failing sump pump, or an overflowing toilet bowl (e.g., containing only urine but no feces).

Category 3 water, classified as "black water," is highly unsanitary and severely threatens humans. This water can originate from situations such as a flooding river, a sewer backup, or ground surface water. Grey water that hasn't been removed quickly enough can turn into black water after a short time.

It's essential to know how to classify the water damage you have in order to know which steps to take to clean it safely.

How Does Cleanup of Category Three Water Differ?

First and foremost, if you suspect that your water is category 3, you must keep people and pets away from it at all costs. This degree of contamination makes it critical to take proper measures to remediate the damage as soon as possible. High contamination means a vital need to hire water damage restoration experts. They have the professional equipment and expertise for safe, efficient cleanup.

1. Completing a Detailed Assessment of the Damage

The restoration technicians will always create a detailed evaluation of the damage. This assessment will help guide them on the best course of action to restore the affected area thoroughly.

2. Wearing Personal Protective Equipment

Technicians are required to wear PPE when dealing with black water. This equipment not only protects their safety during the sewage cleanup process but also guards your family and the unaffected areas of the home from possible cross-contamination. You will see your technicians wearing PPE such as hair coverings, protective glasses, respirators, waterproof coveralls, gloves, and boots. They'll remove this PPE whenever they leave the area and replace it when they return to work.

3. Removing Water and Contaminants

Technicians will remove all standing water and contaminants as quickly as possible. They'll also remove porous building materials, such as drywall, that they can't salvage.

4. Cleaning and Sanitizing

With category 3 damage, completing proper cleaning and sanitization is vital. Technicians will use their professional equipment and industrial-strength cleaning products to clean and sanitize the entire affected area.

5. Drying

Finally, the professionals must dry everything as quickly as possible. Quickly drying the affected area and contents will prevent mold growth and more extensive damage from water and excess humidity. The technicians utilize industrial-grade drying equipment, such as fans and dehumidifiers.

When your home in Rocky Mount, NC, sustains water damage, the moisture itself is bad enough. Black water adds another level of seriousness. Now you know how to identify category 3 water and what to expect from the restoration process.