Not All Water Damage Is the Same

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Exist three categories of water damage and it is fundamental to recognize them to know how to fix the damage.

When your Black Forest, CO, commercial building sustains water damage, what are your options for restoration? First, before you even deal with the water pipe repair or other repairs, you must determine what kind of water you're dealing with. While any moisture can cause a lot of costly damage to a structure and its contents, some floodwaters require a very different approach than others.

There are three categories of water damage.

1. Category 1: Clean Water

Water damage isn't good no matter what variety it is, but if your building has to flood, Category 1 water is preferable. This water can come from various sources, including a broken water supply line, an appliance leak, rainwater, melting ice or snow, or an overflowing sink or bathtub that contains no contaminants. This is also known as "clean water," which means it doesn't threaten people or pets with toxins. Just as with any water intrusion, cleanup must begin swiftly, as standing water or excess moisture can cause mold growth to start within 24 hours of the occurrence.

2. Category 2: Gray Water

Category 2 water is also commonly known as "gray water." This water includes some kind of contaminant which could be chemical, biological, or physical contamination. This type of water damage results from events such as sump pump failures, leaking dishwashers or washing machines, overflowing toilets (containing only urine), fire sprinkler water, and chilled or condensate water.

Category 2 damage can also result from clean water sitting too long that turns to gray water. Additionally, it can happen as clean water travels through other materials, such as a Category 1 flood from a broken pipe on the second floor of a building as it travels through building materials. As a result, Category 2 water collects on the first floor. Gray water can make people and animals sick if they touch it due to microorganisms and other contaminants. You may feel that merely extracting the water and drying the area is enough, aside from the water pipe repair. When your building undergoes this type of damage, it's essential to make sure the affected area and its contents are thoroughly and quickly decontaminated and dried.

3. Category 3: Black Water

The worst possible type of water damage is caused by Category 3 water, which is also referred to as "black water." This water is heavily contaminated, containing sewage or floodwaters from rivers or streams. Blackwater can also occur from gray water being left to linger without proper cleanup. After your building has flooded with black water, it's vital to have flood restoration professionals use their expertise and equipment to handle the process safely, properly, and thoroughly.

Not all flood water is the same. When your building sustains water damage, whether, from a broken pipe, a sewage overflow, or heavy rainfall, you must determine if you're dealing with clean water, gray water, or black water. Even more important than making necessary repairs, such as a water pipe repair, is cleaning up correctly from the water damage. Proper cleaning and decontaminating will ensure that everyone remains safe, and it'll help return your building up to code.