Identifying the Level of Water Damage in Your Home
Water damage in your home, whether it’s due to an incessant roof leak or a massive flood, is a problem you need to deal with. Not all water damage is the same, though. So, it follows that the way you respond and inform a water damage restoration company in Riverton of the issue depends on which type of damage you have.
Three types of water can enter and damage your home. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) arranged each category of water according to its quality, source, and range of contamination, all of which affect the potential severity of water damage.
Category 1: Clean Water
Category 1 water comes from a clean water source, such as a leaking water supply line or overflowing tub or sink. Broken or malfunctioning appliances that use water-supply lines are other possible sources of Category 1 water damage.
The water you’ll find causing Category 1 damage is colorless, odorless, and free of any harmful contaminants. It doesn’t pose any adverse health risk if you inhale, ingest, or come into contact with it. In terms of destruction level, a Category 1 is the easiest type of water damage to restore. It can, however, devolve into Category 2 water damage if it isn’t cleaned up quickly. Odors are a sure sign that your water damage has worsened.
Category 2: Gray Water
Category 2 water has the potential to cause discomfort or disease. Also called “gray water,” it contains a significant amount of contaminants, such as unsafe levels of microorganisms, chemicals, and other organic or inorganic matter.
Common sources of Category 2 water are overflows from your washing machine, dishwasher, or toilet. This type of water overflow has a foul odor and would require your restoration technician to disinfect the affected areas.
Immediate restoration of Category 2s is necessary to reduce the length of time your home is exposed to harmful microorganisms and bacteria. Moreover, Category 2 water damage can deteriorate further into Category 3 territory if left alone for an extended period.
Category 3: Black Water
Category 3 water is the highest category. It causes the worst possible kind of water damage. A Category 3 has a terrible smell, is grossly unsanitary, and is often colored black. It contains harmful parasites and dangerous bacteria that may lead to severe illness or even death if you come into contact with or ingest it.
Sources of Category 3 water includes sewage backup, toilet overflow with feces, and even stagnant water with bacterial growth. Contaminated floodwater from rivers, streams, or seas is classified as Category 3, as well.
While Category 1 water damage can be simple enough to handle on your own, leave the Categories 2 and 3 to the professionals.
Trust Anchor Water Damage and Restoration to have your back when it comes to any category of water damage. Our technicians will arrive at your house in an hour or less and come prepared to help you save your home. Contact us today.
