What Is Category 3 Water Damage?

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

All flood water can cause problems for your business in Bonita, CA but these floods aren’t always the same. That’s why industry professionals use categorization systems to classify floods. There are three main categories, each with a nickname:

• Category One: Clear or White Water
• Category Two: Grey Water
• Category Three: Black Water

As you can infer, Category Three water is the last type you want in your business. What makes a flood fit into this classification? Here is what you need to know about black water.

What Is Black Water?

Category Three water is liquid that has touched human feces. Just by contacting this waste, the water becomes grossly unsanitary. This is the main factor that sets this water apart from the other categories.

Is It Unsafe?

Because Category Three water was exposed to feces, it is unsafe for humans to contact. The water likely contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and even parasites. Wading into this flood water without proper protection can cause bodily harm.

This is one of the many reasons you should never attempt to restore black water damage yourself. Without special equipment and expertise, you cannot fully protect yourself.

What Does It Look Like?

How can you know if your flood is black water? This water may not be completely black. Any water that has a brown color could be Category Three. That’s why it’s important to play it safe and call the professionals.

That being said, black water does typically come from a few places: floods from rain, toilet overflow, and basement floods. Toilet overflow may seem obvious, but many people are surprised that rainwater becomes contaminated. As it falls, rainwater is fine. However, as it soaks the ground and floods businesses, it often carries sewage with it.

If you think your flood water in Bonita, CA, is Category 3, call a restoration crew immediately. This dangerous water cleanup should not be treated as a DIY opportunity.

For your commercial restoration emergency visit our webpage at http://www.SERVPROspringvalleyjamul.com.