Water damage can be a serious problem for homeowners and businesses. It not only ruins your property but also leads to other issues like mold growth. Fixing a water-damaged property can require costly repairs depending on the extent of damage.
Luckily, we have water damage restoration companies that help handle the situation. With the aid of a reliable water damage repair company, you can restore your property to normal. But before that, you must know about the different categories of water damage. This helps you to understand the severity of the issue and how to handle it properly.
Category 1: Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage is caused by water that originates from a clean source. It may not pose health risks, but can lead to issues like:
- Broken water supply lines
- Leaking faucets
- Overflowing bathtubs or sinks
- Malfunctioning appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
Category 1 water is clean as it is not contaminated by harmful substances. But, if left untreated, it can degrade into a more serious category over time.
Category 2: Gray Water Damage
Category 2 water damage, also known as “grey water,” refers to water that is contaminated to some extent. It contains chemicals, biological substances, or other contaminants that can cause diseases or illness if ingested. The main sources of greywater damage include:
- Overflowing toilets
- Sump pump failures
- Dishwater discharge
- Washing machine overflow
Grey water requires careful handling and the affected areas must be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly.
Category 3: Black Water Damage
This is the most severe type of water damage and contains harmful chemicals, bacteria, and even sewage. If not handled correctly, it can cause serious health issues. To deal with this type of water damage, you should seek professional help. Some common sources of black water include:
- Sewage backups
- Floodwater
- Water that has been standing for an extended period
- Toilet backflows with faecal matter
Black water is extremely dangerous and can cause severe illness or infection upon contact.
As you can water damage can come in different forms. Knowing the difference between these categories can help you take the right steps to protect yourself, and your property. If you ever face water damage, it’s important to act quickly and take the necessary steps.