Helping to understand the different categories of water will assist a professional water damage restoration contractor to create a strategic action plan for restoration purpose. Knowing and fully understanding the different types of contaminated water is imperative for homeowners too, as it helps them to take precautionary measures as and when needed.
Take a look at the following categories of water!
As per the IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500), the water is categorized in three different ways as per its contamination levels. These categories are broadly summarized below:
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Category 1 (Clean Water)
Water that falls in this category is a kind of water that is often originated directly from a sanitary source. And, most importantly, whenever this water is inhaled or is exposed to the skin, it does not cause a profound deal of harm to humans. Clean water is perhaps the easiest of all categories to handle as it does not contain any harmful agents. However, if clean water is not treated properly and promptly, it may result in molds and fungus growth.
If you see clean water standing on your property for more than 24 hours, ensure you give a call to our emergency water damage restoration specialists in Pasadena at 626-244-3088.
Examples of category 1 water include melting snow, rain falling, overflowing sinks and tubs, and broken pipes lines.
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Category 2 (Grey Water)
Category 2 water aka grey water does contain microorganisms and nutrients for microorganisms, but no solid waste. This water has bacteria, and the water has the potential to cause sickness and discomfort when consumed or exposed to humans. If you don’t clear the clean water from your property, the water may turn contaminated and gradually become grey water.
Examples of category 2 water include overflowing toilet bowls, sump pump failures, overflowing dishwashers and washing machines.
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Category 3 (Black Water)
Black water is the most contaminated and highly dangerous category, and it could even cause death and terrible illnesses when consumed by humans. It contains pathogenic, toxigenic and other harmful agents. It includes materials such as chemicals, pesticides, microbes, and many similar toxic components.
Examples of category 3 water include sewage failures, flooding from seawater, rising water from rivers, and water from tropical storms.
Pasadena Water Damage Professionals: We Deal with Water Damages Promptly and Efficiently
If your home has suffered from water contamination, it is advisable to get professional Pasadena water damage specialists to inspect the damages. Do not try to handle the damage on your own, allow the professional to disinfect the area. Also, it is vital to note that you may not see the water colours turning into black and grey. These are simply terms used to refer the levels of contamination. So, for instance, you may see the flood water that looks very clean, but there may be inconspicuous microbes lurking in the water, thereby, putting it at higher risk.
If your property is facing water damages, feel free to call our emergency water damage restoration experts in Pasadena today!