Differentiating the 3 Levels of Category 3 Water Damage

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

With broken pipes, flood water, and overflowing toilets wreaking havoc in commercial buildings across the country, it may seem nearly impossible to classify the various types of water damage into any semblance of order. However, the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification saw the need for a classification system and created the standard that insurance companies and restoration professionals now use. The IICRC sets forth three levels of water damage, with Category 3 being revealed as the most dangerous of the trio.

Category 3. 

Water damage in a business or commercial building caused by contaminated liquid that may pose a health risk to anyone that encounters it is often referred to as black water. The flooding is often caused by:

• Sewage backup
• Toilet overflow
• River flood water

Because of the great difference in types and severity of the contaminated black water floods, Category 3 floods have also been divided into three separate levels of danger.

Level 1.

Often limited to a small area, the contaminated water typically has a very limited exposure. An example could be a single toilet backup in a restroom that could quickly be cleaned.

Level 2.

This contaminated water originates inside the building, but the damaged area is frequently much larger than level 1. This type of flooding can be deep enough to taint porous and non-porous items, and the building structure may also be affected. A water damage restoration crew is often called to help with the extensive cleanup.

Level 3.

Considered the most contaminated type of water, this level of black water frequently includes waste from outside sources such as overflowing sewage lines due to flooding rivers, broken dams, or ocean surges. A water damage specialty team is almost always called to aid in the difficult cleanup process for this type of flooding because the technicians have the proper tools and training to handle the job.

If contaminated water floods Layton, UT, contact a restoration team to help answer questions about safety concerns. The professionals may have all the equipment needed to safely handle any Category 3 flood water and get the building open quickly.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROlaytonkaysville.com.