What type of water damage do you have?

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

The Different Categories of Water Losses for Residential and Commercial Properties

Here at SERVPRO of Visalia we want you to know the different Types of Water Losses that can occur.  Knowing the Category of the Water Loss can better Prepare You for the Services that may be required to properly mitigate the Water Damage.   Acting Fast to Properly Mitigate the Water Damage in your Residential or Commercial Property can save a lot of time and money.

Category 1- Clean Water

Category 1 Water originates from Sanitary Water Sources. Clean Water Sources can include: Broken Water Supply Lines, Tub or Sink Over Flows (with no contaminates), Appliance Malfunctions involving water Supply Lines, Falling Rainwater, Broken Toilet Tanks and Broken Hot Water Heater Tanks.   Generally Clean Water Losses can be dried in a reasonable time with no complications, however there’s always that chance that it can get a little more invasive depending on the Materials that are affected.   

Category 2- Grey Water

Category 2 Water can originate from Category 1 Water due to length of time.  Grey Water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or other organic or inorganic matter.  Some Examples of Grey Water include: Discharge from Dishwashers or Washing Machines, Over Flows from Washing Machines, Over Flows from the Toilet Bowl (with Urine Only), Broken Aquariums and Punctured Water Beds.  In some cases Grey Water can be Cleaned and Dried, but since Grey Water contains some sort of contamination it may require more attention in an invasive way. 

Category 3- Black Water

Category 3 Water can originate from Category 1 and 2 Water due to length of time.  Black Water is Grossly Contaminated and can contain pathogenic and other harmful agents. Some Examples of Category 3 Water Sources include: Sewage, Toilet Back-flows, and all forms of flooding from Seawater, Ground Surface Water and Rising Water from Rivers or Streams, Any Water Sources that are contaminated with Pesticides, Organic Matter and Toxic Organic Substances.  Unfortunately, Any Porous Materials that come in contact with Black Water Should be removed from the Location.   All Black Water Losses are beyond the Drying Point and require invasive mitigation and decontamination.  Once the Residence or Commercial Property is Cleaned and Decontaminated the Structure can be Dried Properly.

If you are experiencing a Residential or Commercial Water Loss Call SERVPRO of Visalia Now at 1-559-635-4292