Generally speaking, there are 3 main categories of water damage that derive from a broad range of water damage causes.
Busted Potable Water Lineup
A rupture of a drain waste and ventilation (DWV) pipe carrying gray water. This could be a backup of a sewage line sending biologically contaminated black water by means of a building. What can also occur, is a natural disaster where brackish runoff or seawater floods the property. These classifications are based on the amount of contamination of the water accountable for the damage.
The three water damage classifications are:
Category 1 Water Damage: This water does not pose a threat to intake, dermal or inhalation exposure. Sources typically consist of broken distribution lines, sprinkler systems, overflowing containers using no contaminants or even natural sources such as rain or meltwater. This is recognized as”fresh” water.
Category 2 Water Damage: This is where the water contains significant contamination and potentially can cause vomiting or discomfort if humans consume or are in contact with it. This form of water contains unsafe levels of microorganisms and/or chemical or biological matter such as diluted bacteria, urine, seepage from hydrostatic pressure or ruptured storage tanks. This is well referred to as”gray” water.
Category 3 Water Damage: This is where the water is “grossly contaminated” and contains harmful pathogenic and toxigenic agents. Raw sewage is by far the most usual offender of”black” water and can be deadly for people and damaging to property if sewage damage restoration is perhaps not completely remediated.
Sources of black water include sanitary sewer backups, brackish water from rivers and streams, flooding seawater and all forms of ingress from natural episodes where contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals are carried to a building.
Do Not Wait!
Long Beach Plumbers say, it is important to note that certain category of water damage can amplify into a serious category if not remediated quickly. Wet, warm and enclosed areas are perfect breeding grounds for organic pathogens. Spores multiply and become mold that can proceed an easy cleanable Category one spill in to a hazardous and pricey Category three situation.