Water damage repairs can take different forms depending on your situation. In the restoration industry, water damage is categorized based on its nature, origin, and how hazardous it is. How a restoration professional handles the situation depends on the category. Beyond fixing plumbing pipes, fixtures, drywall, floors, and electrical systems, the types of water damage repair that often come into play include:
Category 1: Clean Water Damage Repair
When clean water is the cause of damage, the health risks are low. But mold and contaminants from water-logged materials can become hazardous if the situation isn’t dealt with quickly. No matter how clean standing water is, it can turn into Category 2 (greywater) in about 48 hours. But before then, the water is usually safe to clean up yourself, unless the flooding and damage are extensive.
The kinds of water damage repair in a Category 1 situation can involve:
- Leaky plumbing
- Burst pipes
- Broken aquariums
- Damaged waterbeds
- Malfunctioning appliances
- Cracked toilet tanks
- Rainwater
- Melting snow
Category 2: Greywater Damage
Category 2 water damage is generally due to rising floodwaters. If a body of water has affected your home, it will infiltrate anything that is below the water level. Since it’s gotten into furnishings, building materials, wall cavities, electrical components, and plumbing, the visible damage is just the beginning.
Extensive damage can be difficult to repair. But greywater isn’t only water from floods. It can include wastewater from inside your home, such as from a bathtub or shower, dishwasher, sink, or washing machine. The level of pathogens may not be high, but you do not want to ingest this water.
The most commons sources of greywater include:
- An overflow from a plumbing fixture or appliance.
- A broken waste pipe in your drainage system.
- A flood triggered by a weather event.
When around greywater, wear protective gear. Also, keep pets, children, or anyone with a compromised immune system away from flooded areas. If there are more than a few inches of standing water, hire a professional to clean and decontaminate your home.
Category 3: Blackwater Damage
Blackwater is water that is contaminated with human waste. It can contain many other pathogens or toxins as well. Sources include damaged toilets as well as backed-up waste pipes. Raw sewage is Category 3 water, so if a sewer pipe is blocked or broken, sewage can back up into your home, which may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, fungi, chemicals, and other pathogens).
Large-scale flooding is also considered blackwater. If a storm transports water into your home, this water damage is automatically labeled as Category 3. It may be rising river or lake water or even seawater. When blackwater floods occur, water and waste absorb into porous items like drywall, carpets, and upholstery, which usually cannot be salvaged. Ingestion or skin contact can lead to severe illness.
Stagnant greywater, if it has been standing for 48 to 72 hours, can be reclassified as Category 3 water, due to the reproduction of bacteria. Cleanup in any Category 3 water situation will require extensive removal of building materials and contents.
Water Damage Repair Should Begin Immediately
These classifications have been established by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Regardless of the type of water damage, any situation that involves water entering your home should be addressed with mopping, cleaning, drying, and ventilating. Personal items must be moved to a dry place and any wet/damp objects must be allowed to air out and dry.
At Restorerz, we employ professional-grade techniques to dry out affected areas. We’ll even move affected items to a secure, climate-controlled facility. Moisture-detection tools are used to identify hidden areas affected by floods, while advanced methods of ventilation and dehumidification are used to prevent additional damage and prevent/reverse the growth of bacteria and mold. We can also take numerous steps to rehabilitate your property.
Request Water Damage Repairs Today
Our team is certified to repair and restore any property damaged by water. Able to respond in 60 minutes or less, we’re open 24/7 and work with all insurance companies. Hire Restorerz for water damage repairs in Los Angeles and surrounding areas by requesting service on the web or calling 323-827-7842.