The 3 Categories of Water Damage

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Floodwaters are highly unsanitary, placing them in Category 3!

Not all water damage is created equal. For homeowners, the end result is the same: remove the water from their home. The cleanup process, however, can drastically change depending on the kind of water. There are 3 classifications of water damage: clean, gray, and black. Each one poses a different level of threat and requires a different cleanup process, but SERVPRO of Iredell County in Mooresville, NC has the training and experience to take care of them all.

Category 1: Clean Water

Nobody wants water damage, but if you do have it, your best hope is that it’s clean water. This is potable water that comes from sources like a burst water pipe or a damaged refrigerator supply line. Category 1 water damages are the most straightforward to clean, but if the water is left long enough, it can deteriorate into Category 2.

Category 2: Gray Water

Water with a significant degree of contamination is classified as Category 2 water damage. Also known as gray water, it can cause some health issues, so it requires some cleaning treatment in addition to the standard drying process. This kind of water comes from washing machine discharges, aquariums, and other similar sources.

Category 3: Black Water

Category 3 water is extremely unsanitary and poses significant health risks. This kind of water can come from outside water (flooding) or sewage backups. In these cases, our technicians need to wear full PPE and perform multi-step cleaning processes. In fact, with black water, it’s strongly advised that elderly or immunocompromised individuals evacuate the home until it is safe to return.

Professional Water Removal

No matter what category of water damage your property may have, SERVPRO of Iredell County is equipped to handle it. We’ve helped thousands of Mooresville home and business owners recover from all types of incidents. If you have water damage and need professional help, call us today at (704) 872-7466!