The Different Types of Water Damage
Did you know that there are three different categories of water damage? The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification has classified the three different categories based on how many potentially harmful bacteria, or chemicals may be in the water. The categories are: clean, grey, and black water damage.
Category 1: Clean Water Damage
Typically, the IICRC refer to category 1 as clean water damage. This is because the water is the most sanitary and least likely to cause illness if touched, inhaled or ingested. Things like broken water pipes, sinks, bathtubs, melting snow or ice, rainwater, and things similar to that nature.
If you catch it quickly enough, a dehumidifier can easily dry out items in this category. However, if you leave it for too long, you might need to replace them. Even if you leave clean water standing for extended periods, it can still promote the growth of mildew and mold.
Category 2: Grey Water Damage
This category can contain contaminating bacteria or chemicals that may cause someone to get sick. Grey water can include water from your washing machine, dishwasher, toilet bowls (with just urine), and pipes that contain used water.
During this stage, it’s vital to take out anything affected by the grey water damage from your home and disinfect whatever can be salvaged. Although, if in budget you may want to consider repurchasing items that are more porous.
Category 3: Black Water Damage
Black water is anything that contains sewage, floods, seawater, and any sort of river or ground water. This is the most contaminated kind you can have. If inhaled, digested or touched it can cause very serious health issues.
The restoration company working on your home or building will need to remove everything, and disinfect all affected areas before putting in new materials.
Final Thoughts
Water damage is one of the leading reasons why people use their home insurance policy. This can be a large project that affects multiple areas of your home, to only affecting one room or spot of the home.
No matter if you have clean or black water damage, it is important to call a company that specializes in restoration. A professional restoration company should make sure absolutely everything is dry before reinstalling anything that may need to be done.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
