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Different Classes and Categories of Water Damage You Should Know

Water damage is an unpredictable event that can give home and business owners a headache. When working with professional damage restoration companies, identifying the class and category of the water that has caused the damage is important to assess restoration procedures and repair options. Learn more from the restoration specialists of ServiceMaster by Reed.

What Causes Water Damage?

Each day, about 14,000 people in the United States experience a water damage incident at home or at work. Water damage is commonly caused by:

Natural Disasters

  • The Atlantic hurricane season , starting in June and ending in November, can bring severe weather events that pose a risk of serious property damage.
  • Hurricanes and storms bring heavy rains and flooding, which warp floors, damage belongings and compromise building structures.

Appliance Failure

  • Supply lines that bring water to washing machines can rupture and send torrents of water in a matter of minutes.
  • Malfunctioning sprinkler systems won't only flood your property, but also cause considerable damage to electrical systems, electronic equipment and appliances.
  • Too much tank pressure in a water heater can cause it to fail and cause flooding.

Appliance Failure

  • Gutters and drains are systems designed to direct water away from a property.
  • Clogged gutters or drains cause water to pool and seep into a property or it's foundation.

Pipe Leaks

  • Leaking pipes, over time, can cause significant damage to the area below it.
  • If leaking pipes are left unchecked, they will cause mold development
  • Visible leaks are easy to spot, but leaks in plumbing inside walls may be hard to detect. It's best to invest in a water leak detector to monitor leaks down the line.

Sewer Backups

  • Sewer backups occur when there is an obstruction down the line or with heavy rainfall.
  • Sewer backups contain bacteria, pathogens and other contaminants that can pose health risks. They should be handled only by a professional water damage restoration provider

Water damage should be addressed immediately to prevent material and structural damage, as well as health problems linked with mold growth. Mold exposure can result in the following symptoms:

  • Coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Eye, Nose, and Throat Irritation
  • Skin Rashes
  • Asthma Attacks

Water is classified into several types, all of which are important for the water damage restoration process. According to the IICRC Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500), there are three categories of water:

  • Category 1 – clean water, or water that is safe for and is not a threat to humans. This type of water can come from faulty appliances or sink overflows.
  • Category 2 – gray water. This indicates that the water is contaminated and could cause illness if consumed. This water is teeming with microbes. Broken toilets, sump pumps, and seepage all have the potential to create Category 2 water.
  • Category 3 – black water. This type of water is unhygienic because it contains germs and other pathogenic microorganisms.
  • Black water damage may be caused by sewage problems or contamination of standing water.

Classes of Water Damage

It’s also critical to determine the type of water damage while evaluating water damage restoration solutions.

Class 1

Class 1 is the least harmful. Materials absorb a negligible amount of water as a result of this form of damage. Water damage restoration is the easiest in this case.

Class 1

Class 1 is the least harmful. Materials absorb a negligible amount of water as a result of this form of damage. Water damage restoration is the easiest in this case.

Class 2

Due to its rapid evaporation rate, Class 2 may cause damage to carpets and upholstery. Water damage repair is more challenging.

Class 4

Class 4 necessitates the use of specialized water repair and water removal techniques. This form of damage is particularly destructive to hardwood floors, plaster, and concrete.

Remain Safe from Contaminated Water

  • Children and pets should be kept away from the affected area.
  • Inform your insurance carrier that a restoration team is on its way. Take photographs of the damage to provide evidence to your insurance adjuster.
  • Prevent additional contamination by keeping the area as contained as feasible.
  • If you must enter the area, be sure to use personal protective equipment such as face masks, rubber gloves and boots, and impermeable coveralls.
  • Disconnect all power to your home in the affected area.
  • Cut off the water supply and any running water to the home or area.

Discoloration

  • Water leaking from pipes or other hidden sources of moisture can manifest as wetness or discoloration on walls or ceilings.
  • Water can also cause discoloration on fabrics or furniture adhering to walls or floors near the source.

Schedule an Appointment for Water Damage Restoration in Dothan, Alabama

Looking for immediate water damage restoration services in Dothan, Alabama and the surrounding areas?

ServiceMaster by Reed will immediately respond to your water damage emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (334) 712-1118. You may also message us through our online contact form.

  • Certified by the IICRC
  • State-of-the-art equipment and cleaning products
  • Direct insurance billing
  • Financing solutions from GreenSky
Water From The Ceiling

Don’t know what to do next? We do. Contact ServiceMaster by Reed today. Visit us at 2830 Horace Sheppard Drive Dothan, AL 36303.

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No matter the cause or source of water damage, count on ServiceMaster by Reed. We are local, efficient, and ready to get to work.

Call us today at (334) 712-1118 to discover how ServiceMaster by Reed can help you!

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