Understanding the Type of Water Damage You Are Dealing in Your Business

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Whether your business needs a water pipe repair or has an issue with the sump pump, dealing with water damage in your business can be time-consuming and expensive. Often, it can be helpful to understand what type of water damage has occurred.

1. The Source of the Water

One of the primary ways water damage is classified has to do with the source of the water. If water comes from an appliance and is clean, it is classified as category 1 damage. However, water that comes from a broken pipe and has contaminants is considered to be gray water, or category 2 water damage. Water that contains sewage and significant biohazards is labeled as category 3 water damage, known as black water.

2. The Amount of Time the Water Sits

Water that was a category 1 originally can turn into category 2 damage if the water is not quickly removed. If the cause of the flooding is not remedied quickly, and you, for example, put off a water pipe repair, it becomes increasingly likely that mold and bacteria will grow near or in the standing water. Generally, the sooner water is removed, the less likely major damage will occur.

3. Cleanliness of the Water

The cleanliness of the water is another major factor that determines the category of water damage. Category 2 water damage is water that is contaminated with some amount of hazardous material. If a major flood occurs, it’s often possible for there to be different categories of water damage in one building. Even if water was originally clean, water that has flooded one floor and has seeped through to another floor could become contaminated.

With knowledge of how category 2 water damage is identified, you can look out for potential causes of this type of water damage and you can implement solutions, such as a water pipe repair, to keep your business safe and dry. If your business has already sustained water damage, it could be useful to work with water damage restoration experts like SERVPRO of Metrocrest.

Call SERVPRO of Metrocrest - We're Here To Help (972) 233-8400.