Three Stages of Water Damage You Should Be Aware Of

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

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Three Stages of Water Damage You Should Be Aware Of 

When water damage occurs, it can happen in three different stages. It is important for our technicians to determine the severity of the water damage to keep tenants safe and to know how to treat each case. The extent of the contamination in the water will help determine the category of water loss. 

Category 1: Clean Water 

This kind of water damage comes from a sanitary water source like broken water supply lines, appliance malfunctions and even melting ice or snow. However, a category 1 damage can increase to a category 2 or category 3 depending on the cleanliness of the area, damage of materials (walls and floors), and any odors. 

Category 2: Contaminated Water 

The water originates from sources such as a discharge from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls with urine but no feces; and broken aquariums. This water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause sickness if contacted or consumed by humans.

Category 3: Hazardous Water 

The water is grossly contaminated and can contain toxigenic or other harmful agents. Examples of a category 3 water loss include sewage; toilet backflows; wind-driven rain; and flooding. For this type of water loss, you definitely want to wait for a professional to arrive as it is extremely dangerous to try to handle it on your own.

Regardless of the category of water damage, SERVPRO professionals should always be called to help.