Water is one of the main causes of property damage globally and can result in costly repairs. Many companies take a generic approach to water damage restoration. But this approach neglects the different categories of water and water damage.
The team at DK Environmental is here to provide some information about the different categories of water and how they affect the restoration process.
Categories of Water
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) defines three kinds of water that cause flooding damage based on the contamination and relative level of danger in handling the water in question.
Category 1: Clean Water
As the name implies, category 1 water damage is any damage that results from “clean” water from pipes, sinks, appliances, and tubs, and showers. Clean water does not pose a health hazard, and it is not as conducive to mold and bacteria growth.
However, even clean water can cause significant damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. Mold spores will grow and spread, causing health hazards without prompt water removal.
Category 2: “Grey Water”
The second category of water is “grey” water. Grey water refers to any water that contains chemicals and other types of chemical or biological contaminants. Grey water often contains microorganisms that can cause sickness.
Common sources of category 2 water include:
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Toilets
- Sump pumps
- Sprinkler water
Because category 2 water facilitates mold growth, it is important to clean and sanitize damage as quickly as possible. Homeowners should always hire a professional to remove all category 2 water and sanitize surfaces with cleaning chemicals.
Category 3: “Black Water”
The last category of water is also the most dangerous. Black water refers to water containing raw sewage and other highly contaminated substances. Category 3 water often stems from category 2 water mixed with raw sewage from the home’s septic system or seawater during floods.
Black water also poses the greatest risk to occupants’ health. Raw sewage contains bacteria and harmful substances, so homeowners should only let a water removal professional clean up category 3 water and perform removal and sanitation. Water removal companies may also use HEPA-filter vacuums to clean affected areas.
How Do Water Categories Affect the Restoration Process?
The water category affects the cleanup in terms of the method of removal and sanitization. Category 1 water is relatively clean and requires little cleaning to remove mold and bacteria. Category 2 and 3 water contain harmful substances that may settle on affected surfaces. The restoration process for these categories of water involves sanitization and removal of affected areas.
However, no matter the category of water, it’s best to clean it up quickly. All classes of water can cause significant property damage if left alone. Even clean water can rapidly pick up bacteria and mold if left standing for too long.
About the Company
DK Environmental offers residential and commercial property damage restoration in Washington’s King, Snohomish, and Skagit counties. From water damage and mold to asbestos and bio-recovery, DK provides 24/7 emergency service by licensed and insured technicians.
Water damage of all categories is a serious issue that affects millions of homeowners every year. For flood cleanup services in Washington, contact DK Environmental online or call them at (425) 903-4356 today!
