Three Categories Of Water Damage To Be Prepared For Restoration

Water damage can occur from a number of different sources in your Willoughby home. While all water damage emergencies need to be dealt with as soon as possible, not all water damage instances are the same. In fact, there are 3 categories of water that can affect your home, and knowing the differences between them is important when it comes to restoration. Let's walk you through each one and how it can affect your home.

Water Damage Restoration In Willoughby

Category 1: Clean Water

Category 1 water comes from a clean source, such as a leaky faucet or broken supply line. Water damage restoration from Category 1 water is fairly simple. First, water must be extracted and dried completely. Then, damaged materials can be repaired or replaced. If Category 1 water is not remediated quickly and correctly, it can turn into Category 2 or 3 water.

Category 2: Gray Water

Category 2 water is contaminated water that may contain bacteria and viruses. Common sources of Category 2 water include dishwasher overflow, washing machine overflow, and toilet overflow (without feces). This type of water could cause illness by coming in contact with it and needs to be handled promptly. Not only is adequate drying needed, but thorough disinfecting must also take place. If left untreated, Category 2 water can very quickly degrade to Category 3 water.

Category 3: Black Water

As the name entails, Category 3 water is grossly contaminated. All contact should be avoided because this type of water can cause serious illness and even death if ingested. Black water can come from flooding streams, canals, or rivers, water from the sewer line, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or long-standing water that has begun to grow microbes. This type of water requires professional cleanup with the use of specialized equipment to safely remove contaminants.

If you are unsure which type of water you are dealing with, be sure to call a water damage restoration team. With the proper training and equipment, the water damage restoration crew at Pine Ridge Restoration can determine the water category present and proceed with an appropriate plan of action. While you are waiting for the restoration team to arrive, there are some steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe from contaminated water:

• Keep children and pets away from the affected area
• Contact your insurance company and let them know a restoration team is on their way. Take pictures of the damage as proof for your insurance adjuster.
• Stop the further spread of contamination by keeping the area contained as best as possible.
• Be sure to use personal protective equipment such as facemasks, rubber gloves and boots, and impervious coveralls if you have to go into the area.
• Turn off all electrical power to your home in the affected area.
• Turn off the water supply and any running water in the home or area.
• DO NOT use the HVAC unit to ventilate the area because that can spread microbes through the air. If possible, open windows in the affected area to get airflow.
• Remove any dry, uncontaminated items from the area.

Nothing is more important to Pine Ridge Restoration than keeping your family safe and restoring your home following water damage. No matter the cause, source, or scope of the situation, we can provide the best water damage restoration for your home.