Water Damage FYI – Categories of Water

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Albany and Americus for help!

Water damages to your property can arise from a variety of sources, including external flooding, broken pipes, or backed up sewage lines.  The source of the water intrusion plays a role in defining the “category of water” that is to be remediated.  Different processes are followed depending on the category of the water involved; each with their own unique characteristics.  Knowing the kind, or category, of water that has infiltrated your property is important in the restoration process.

Category 1, or “Clean Water” is water from a clean source, such as a broke supply line or faucet.  If left untreated, category 1 water can quickly degrade into category 2 or 3 depending on the factors such as length of time left sitting, temperature of the structure, and contact with contaminants.

Category 2, or “Gray Water” has a high level of contamination that could cause illness or discomfort if ingested.  Sources of category 2 water may include washing machine overflow, dishwasher overflow, or toilet overflow that does NOT contain feces.

Category 3, or “Black Water” is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness if ingested, and physical contact should be avoided.  Sources of category 3 water may include floodwaters, which often contain biological contaminants, toilet overflow that does contain feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

Having a trusted cleanup and restoration professional to call in case of a water damage emergency is paramount to making your loss “Like it never even happened.”  SERVPRO of Albany and Americus is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has the training, equipment, and experience to take care of water damages of all sizes.  To learn more, or request service, give us a call at 229-439-2048, We’re Here to Help!