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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

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5/22/2023 (Permalink)

water pictures This shows the different water categories.

Water damage can occur unexpectedly, whether it's due to leaky pipes, overflowing toilets, appliance malfunctions, storms, or floods. It's crucial to address water damage promptly by drying and cleaning the affected areas. While some cases can be handled by homeowners, there are situations where it's necessary to seek the assistance of professionals like SERVPRO of Dubuque. Let's discuss the three categories of water damage defined by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Category 1: Clean Water Damage

Category 1 water damage is the least severe on the IICRC scale. It involves damage caused by clean water, such as broken pipes, water supply line issues, and overflowing sinks or bathtubs. Since this type of damage involves water that is free from sewage and toxins, most items affected by category 1 incidents can be easily dried without significant long-term consequences for the property owner.

Category 2: Grey Water Damage

Category 2 water damage refers to "greywater" damage. This includes water from appliances like toilets, washing machines, and sump pump backups. While coming into contact with greywater may or may not be harmful to humans, it's important to remove any affected items and thoroughly disinfect the area if your home has experienced category 2 water damage. The waste and chemicals present in greywater can potentially pose health risks over time.

Category 3: Black Water Damage

Category 3 water damage, also known as black water damage, is the most severe and urgent type of water damage. It requires immediate action to mitigate serious health risks. Blackwater includes sewage, rising floodwaters, seawater, as well as river and groundwater. When category 3 water damage occurs, extensive removal of items and materials from your property is necessary. After the drying process, thorough disinfection of your home is essential to ensure a safe environment.

It's important to note that Category 1 damage can escalate to Category 2 if not addressed promptly. If you notice a foul odor or see mold growth, it may indicate that Category 1 damage has progressed to Category 2.

Similarly, Category 2 damage can worsen and become Category 3. Due to the potential hazards associated with these two categories, it is always advisable to contact professionals like SERVPRO of Dubuque. They can assess the damage, identify the source of the water damage, and accurately classify its category. Additionally, SERVPRO of Dubuque can provide estimates for drying and cleaning the affected area. If environmental testing is required, they can assist you in arranging it through a certified Environmental Technician.

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