Categories of Water - When Water Damage Happens

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ottumwa / Oskaloosa is here to help when water damage happens.  The first step to make a plan to clean up affected areas after a water loss and make it  “Like it never even happened.” is to determine the cause of the water damage and select the Category type. 

There are three different categories that a water loss is classified in depending on the category of water. 

• Category 1 Water - Is from a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "clean water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows, or appliance malfunctions that involve water supply lines.
• Category 2 Water - This source is known as "grey water".Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to.  This type carries microorganisms and nutrients of micro-organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure, and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.
•  Category 3 Water - Known as "black water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water.

You can depend on our team as we have trained technicians, crew chiefs, and project managers to help determine and clean up these different types of water categories safely.  We are here to protect the health and safety of your home, business, and the people that frequent that space.