Different Severities of Water Damage Cleanup In Your Monroe Home

Did you know that when water damages your home in Monroe, the water is classified into one of three categories? The IICRC water classification explains that there are different categories of water that refer to the range of contamination in the water that is determined by both the source the water originated from and what it has come into contact with. When it comes to water damage cleanup, knowing which water category you are dealing with will help not only with standard precautions but also with necessary cleaning techniques. Let’s look at each category of water and what each one could mean for water damage cleanup

Water Damage Cleanup in Monroe

1. Category 1 Water: Sanitary or ‘Clean Water’

Category 1 water is defined by the IICRC as water that has originated from what is considered a sanitary source and does not pose a substantial threat to one’s health upon exposure to skin, inhalation, or ingestion. Examples of sources that are considered sanitary would be:

  • Water supply lines
  • Toilet tanks
  • Toilet bowl water not containing feces
  • Melting snow and ice 
  • Leaky faucets

Since this type of water is considered clean, it typically is the easiest to clean up. Water damage cleanup from category 1 water is straightforward, and most materials exposed to the water can be thoroughly dried and salvaged, restored to its pre-loss condition.

2. Category 2 Water: Significantly Contaminated or ‘Gray Water”

The IICRC describes category 2 water as containing significant contamination that has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness upon contact or if consumed. This category of water is often referred to as ‘gray water’ because it can contain potentially harmful levels of bacteria, microorganisms, or other contaminants. Possible sources of gray water could be:

  • Washing machine leaks or overflow
  • Dishwasher leaks or overflow
  • Basement or slab leaks/ hydrostatic pressure seepage
  • Broken aquariums
  • Toilet bowl water containing urine

Water damage from category 2 water is dangerous because it is significantly contaminated. Saturated carpet and padding, and other materials need to be removed to be disinfected. Water damage cleanup of category 2 water requires specific steps, like antimicrobial cleaning and HEPA vacuuming to thoroughly disinfect all affected materials.

3. Category 3 Water: Grossly Contaminated or ‘Black Water’

Like its name entails, category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain toxins and pathogens that can cause significant adverse reactions upon exposure. IICRC licensed and certified companies should handle all water damage cleanup from category 3 water. Sources of category 3 water include:

  • Sewage backup or overflow
  • Waste line backflows that originate behind the trap
  • Seawater
  • Flooding water from rivers, streams, or canals
  • Rainwater from wind-driven weather extremes like hurricanes or tropical storms

The same techniques like anti-microbial cleaning solutions and HEPS vacuuming are also required when handling this type of cleanup, along with industry-approved personal protective equipment for water damage technicians working on the case. 

In summary, regardless of the category of water damage you need cleaned up, the best way to get the job done quickly and correctly is to call in the professionals at Restoration 1 of Greater Charlotte