Water Categories: Clean Water, Gray Water, Black Water

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in Folsom

Did you know that the water either coming into your home or from your home due to busted pipes or leaks has what we call a “category”? When it comes to handling mitigation in your home it is better to allow the professionals at SERVPRO of El Dorado Hills/Placerville to deal with the emergency because you must treat the water correctly to be safe. You never know what is either in your water or what the water has passed through to create contamination.

The information we have provided below explains the main types of water damage and could help you identify the problem quickly if it ever happens to you!

Category 1: Clean Water

Category 1 water is the cleanest, clearest, and most non-toxic form of water damage. It is potable water, perhaps directly from the tap. It is unlikely to cause you any harm, even if you are exposed for some time. Nevertheless, even clean flooding can lead to electrical and structural faults, so it is safer for you to call in the experts for repairs. Clean water comes from things like a broken water supply line, tub or sinks overflowing with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines to name a few. however, once clean water leaves the exit point, it might not remain clean after contacting other surfaces or materials. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to Category 2 or 3 if left untreated.

Category 2: Gray Water

Gray water damage is a little bit more serious and requires a fast-pace removal process. This is because it may contain potentially unsafe levels of chemicals, microorganisms, or dirt. Examples of Category 2 water include, but is not limited to: overflow from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls with urine; and broken aquariums. If left untreated, it can quickly degrade into Category 3.

Category 3: Black Water

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Category 3 water can include, but is not limited to: sewage, toilet overflows, flooding from seawater, rivers or streams, ground surface water, or other contaminated water entering the indoor environment.

The team at SERVPRO of El Dorado Hills/Placerville is skilled in the safe handling of the different categories through training and protective clothing to eliminate the risk of sickness. Give us a call for any type of water damage at 916-933-3890.