Categories of Water Damage 2022

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Often times after someone has experienced water damage in their home, they do not know what the next step is. An important part of knowing what to do next, is knowing what kind of water you are dealing with. So that SERVPRO West Greenville County can help you as fast as possible, here are some helpful tips to look for when dealing with water damage in your home. The categories of water damage are defined by the Institute of International Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Category 1 (White Water)

 Category 1 water damage is caused by water that does not contain contaminates that pose a threat to your health, or clean water. Clean water damage can come from things like a malfunctioning appliance, supply lines, and rainwater. Although category 1 home floods are safe to clean up yourself, it is important to know that clean water can quickly turn into category 2 water damage if left standing for as little as 48 hours.

Category 2 (Grey Water)

 Category 2 water damage, sometimes also referred to as greywater, refers to water that is not sewage, but does contain contaminants. This can include water damage that comes from washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, sinks, or an overflowing plumbing fixture. Floodwater that comes from a weather event is also put into the greywater category. If your home has category 2 flooding, it is important to wear protective gear if you attempt to clean it.

 Category 3 (Black Water)

 Category 3 water, or blackwater, is defined as water that is contaminated with pathogens or toxins, such as human waste. In your home, this can come from broken sewage pipes or toilets. Flooding from a weather event that enters a building as a result of a storm or hurricane, can potentially carry contaminants that puts it in the category of blackwater. Due to the nature of the water, most contents that it comes in contact with are unsalvageable and must be torn out.

If you think that your home has been affected by a Category 3 flooding, it is advisable to contact a professional to help you deal with the issue. SERVPRO West Greenville County is equipped with the right materials and crew to help make it "Like it never even happened."