What Does Water Damage Include?
Water damage can arise from various sources, including storms, floods, leaks, and burst pipes. When excess water enters a property, it can lead to severe damage and significant health hazards if not addressed promptly. Understanding the types of water damage is crucial for efficient restoration and mitigation efforts:
- Category 1: Clean Water
- Category 2: Grey Water
- Category 3: Black Water
Originating from a sanitary source, such as broken water supply lines or faucets, this type of water is generally considered safe for human contact and does not pose significant health risks.
Contaminated with mild pollutants, such as detergents or cleaning agents, this water can cause minor infections if ingested or comes into contact with open wounds.
Highly contaminated with hazardous contaminants, such as sewage or floodwater, this water can cause severe illness or infection if ingested or exposed to the skin. It requires immediate and professional intervention.
Recognizing the type of water damage is essential for implementing appropriate restoration techniques and determining the extent of the remediation required. By understanding the differences between water categories, property owners and restoration professionals can effectively mitigate the risks associated with water damage and ensure the health and safety of occupants.