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Water loss is classified into three different categories by The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Water loss is placed in a category depending on the degree of contamination present in the water. These categories are important because they help determine what type of water damage restoration process is necessary. Determining the water category is also important when determining your insurance coverage for water damage.
Over the years, many homes and businesses have experienced water loss damage. Water damage can be caused by weather, faulty appliances, broken pipes, or other issues. Water loss is one of the leading causes of property damage in the United States. At One Of a Kind Restoration, we have highly-trained water damage restoration professionals who understand the different categories of water loss. Understanding the different categories of water damage is crucial; only when you understand the category of your water loss will you be able to take the necessary steps to mitigate and restore your property. This article will dive deeper into Water Category 1, 2, and 3 to help you understand the differences between the three.
Category 1 Water is classified as “clean water”. This type of water does not pose a substantial threat to humans and typically comes from broken water supply lines, like those associated with your sink, tub, or refrigerator. Damaged water and drainage pipes are common in homes and offices because of their constant exposure to water and other liquids, so although Category 1 Water may not be dangerous, it can still cause significant water damage to a home or business if not cleaned immediately.
If you have Category 1 Water Loss, it is important to take immediate action to mitigate the damage. The first step is to stop the source of the water leakage if possible. Once the water has been stopped, you can mitigate the damage by removing any standing water and wet materials (doing this as quickly as possible is important to prevent further damage.) Once the standing water has been removed, you can begin drying out the affected area. This can be done by using fans, dehumidifiers, and other methods. It’s important to monitor the drying process closely to ensure that all of the moisture has been removed.
Category 1 water is often seen as a non-threat to humans, but it should be seen as a serious water damage threat to your home. With category 1 water loss, you can repair the damage easily, quickly, and at a low cost. It is best to hire a professional to help you with the water damage restoration process to ensure that it is done correctly to prevent any further damage.
Category 2 Water is classified as “grey water”. This type of water typically contains significant chemical, biological, or physical contaminants and can cause discomfort or illness when exposed to or consumed. Common examples of Category 2 Water Loss include dishwasher or washing machine overflows, water from sink drains, toilet overflows without feces, and broken aquariums. Although Category 2 Water may not be dangerous to humans, it can still cause significant water damage to a home or business if not cleaned up immediately.
If you have Category 2 Water Loss, it’s important to call experts who can take immediate action to mitigate the damage. The professionals at One Of A Kind Restoration are quick to respond and will take the necessary steps to remove any standing water and wet materials. Once the standing water has been removed, our experts will begin drying out the affected area. It’s important to monitor the drying process closely to ensure that all of the moisture has been removed. With Category 2 Water Loss, you may be able to repair the damage. Our professionals can help you with the water damage restoration process to ensure that it is done correctly to prevent any further damage.
Category 3 Water is classified as “black water”. This is the worst classification and is grossly unsanitary. Water classified as black water can cause severe illness or death if ingested. It can also cause skin irritation and even burns if it contains corrosive chemicals. Common examples of Category 3 Water Loss include sewage backup, rising flood water from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, punctured water beds, decaying ground debris, and stagnant liquid that has begun bacterial growth. If you have Category 3 Water Loss, it’s important to call experts who can take immediate action to mitigate the damage and prevent any further contamination.
With category 3 water loss, you may be unable to repair the damage. It is best to hire a professional to help you with the water damage restoration process to ensure that it is done correctly. Only professionals have the right protective gear to help you get rid of the contaminated water. At One Of A Kind Restoration, we have extensive experience dealing with all types of water loss. If you have experienced any water loss, it’s important to call us immediately so that we can take immediate action to mitigate the damage. We are available 24/7 to take your call, and our team of experts will respond quickly to begin a professional water damage restoration process.
The difference between category 1, 2, and 3 water loss is the degree of contamination. In a category 1 water loss, there is clean water with no contaminants. Category 2 water loss has some contaminants, and category 3 water loss has gross contamination. It is also possible for the water category to change. A category 1 water loss can become a category 2 or 3 water loss if the harmful agents in the water are left untreated. If you have any questions regarding the difference between these categories or what to do in the event of a water loss, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help with all your water loss problems. Thank you for choosing One Of A Kind Restoration!