3 Kinds of Water Damage

There are lots of ways that a home can suffer water damage, from burst pipes to basement flooding to overflowing toilets. It’s not something that any homeowner wants to have to deal with, no matter how it happens. It is always a stressful, messy, emotional experience. When you do have to deal with water damage, however, it helps to know a little about it. In terms of insurance coverage and restoration activities, water damage can be divided into three categories.

Category 1

Category 1 refers to water damage from clean water. This means that the water came from a supply line so it has been treated and you know for a fact it is clean. This is the least dangerous type of water damage because you don’t immediately have a risk of contamination. However, the water still needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Category 1 water can become Category 2 or even Category 3 if it is left to sit for any length of time. Category 1 water damage can also lead to secondary contamination from mold growth if it isn’t thoroughly dried out. Often removing the water and thoroughly drying everything can solve this issue, but you should consider hiring a specialist to make sure everything truly gets dry. It is possible that there could be damage in places you’d never know to look.

Category 2

Category 2 water damage comes from gray water or water that is used or contaminated but doesn’t contain any solid waste. Category 2 water often leaks out of appliances, like a dishwasher or a washing machine, or comes from showers. Category 2 water may contain chemicals or microbes, so it is more dangerous than Category 1 water. Category 2 water requires some cleaning and disinfecting in addition to removing the water and drying everything out. While this may be something you could clean up on your own, a specialist will know how to get the job done quickly and correctly. 

Category 3

Category 3 water is the most contaminated of all, often called black water. It is likely to contain solid waste and pathogens and be highly contaminated. Black water may also contain dangerous chemicals and heavy metals. This type of damage may come from sewer backups or flooding from exterior water. Cleaning up after Category 3 water damage requires very thorough cleaning and decontamination. Any porous materials that are exposed to Category 3 water, from textiles to dry wall, need to be removed. Clean up of Category 3 water damage should be done by professional remediation services. 

Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for Your Waterproofing Needs

Whether you need a new sump pump installed or want to waterproof your entire basement, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.