Understanding the Different Types of Water Damage
However well you plan for floods or water damage, it is possible to encounter unforeseen events and risks. Cleaning and restoring your property must be done swiftly, or you may suffer a great deal of damage. Using the DIY checklist, you can repair minor water damage to your home or business property. The detecting, cleansing, and water damage restoration, on the other hand, requires professional supervision and industrial-grade gear and machinery.
Water damage restoration only works if you can understand and detect what type of water damage you are facing. It’s essential to identify the category and types of water damage that has occurred. In order to ensure a quick and efficient recovery, water damage repair professionals tailor their restoration technique depending on this information.
Here we will discuss the various categories and types of water damage explained by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), so you could know what you are dealing with and how to prevent them!
Categories of Water Damage
Category 1: Clean Water Damage
This category includes water damage caused by damaged pipes, overflowing sinks, bathtubs, and numerous appliance problems, which is why it is considered the least harmful out of all other types of water damage. As a result of the fact that “clean water” is being used, this form of harm is less severe. The majority of goods damaged in category 1 accidents may be dried quickly and efficiently without causing any long-term problems for the property owner in the future.
Damage from broken pipes, overflowing sinks, or rains is all considered Category 1. As long as you respond to the situation in less than 48 hours, the health concerns associated with category 1 water damage are minor to none.
Missing out on water damage can cause serious issues in most cases. If category 1 water damage is left untreated for more than 48 hours, it can turn into category 2 water damage as a result of exposure to different toxins.
Category 2: Grey Water Damage
“Gray water” is the category 2 water damage that is caused by appliances such as toilets, washing machines, and sump pump backups, among other things. Chemical waste such as detergent, washing, and soap are common sources of greywater. There is a moderate to serious danger of contaminant contamination from Category 2 water damage. As a result of the proliferation of microorganisms in greywater, the severity of the condition tends to increase over time.
If your property has suffered category 2 water damage, it is crucial to remove any impacted things and disinfect fully, as the waste and chemicals in greywater may be dangerous in the future. Both direct and indirect exposure to greywater damage can harm your health and your property’s value.
Category 3: Black Water Damage
Damage from Category 3, or black water, is the most severe and requires immediate action to prevent catastrophic health hazards. Examples of black water include wastewater from sewers and water contaminated with sewage grease, oil, urine, etc. This sort of water is contagious because it contains bacteria, viruses, and other allergens.
Water damage of category 3 necessitates the removal of a large number of things and materials from your home, as well as extensive disinfection. More than 90% of people who have been exposed to black water are at risk of contracting an infection or sickness. You must be extra cautious while dealing with black water, or it can cause you some serious damage.
How to Prevent Water Damage
Safety First! Health and safety are the first considerations while dealing with water damage. If the situation appears to be out of control, the first thing you should do is evacuate.
Control The Water Flow! Water damage should be controlled. When a broken pipe or ceiling leak is the culprit, you can temporarily confine the damage with waterproof tape and avoid future damage.
Move your stuff! Consider moving furniture, bedding, and items to a dry location. When wet or exposed to excessive moisture, most of these items can create a breeding ground for mold.
Call a Professional! You should contact a professional if the issue appears serious, especially when drywall and crawlspaces are involved.
Invest in an automatic leakage detecting system! Considering this option will help you detect water leaks and flooding to prevent health hazards and mold growth. The detector either cuts off the main water valve, or it connects to your current alarm system (local or with remote supervision). Water and flood detectors with local alarms and telephone receiver/dialer systems (sold at hardware/renovation merchants) are the most basic systems available for domestic use and are marketed primarily to homeowners.
You can count on 911 Restoration of Central Maryland to assist you with water damage restoration no matter how severe the situation is or the types of water damage is. Sewage cleanup for category 3 disasters is one of our services, along with regular water removal for various buildings. Learn how our restoration method can benefit you by calling us today.
