Water damage to your home in Corona can come from many different sources. Depending on the source, the damage may require specific steps to properly cleanup and restore because of the different levels of contamination that can be found in different sources of water. Water is considered contaminated if it contains any level of pollution that renders it unsafe for basic use. Water damage from contaminated water not only causes damage to your home, but can also pose some serious health risks to those who come into contact with it. Before any water damage remediation services begin, it is important to identify the type of water you are dealing with so that adequate measures are taken to ensure safe and sanitary cleanup and restoration.
Category 1 Water
Water is classified as Category 1 damage when it comes from a clean source; such as faucets, water heaters, pipes, and toilet tanks. Because it is not likely to carry any harmful contaminants, Category 1 water is termed ‘clean water.’ While generally harmless to your health, damage from Category 1 can still cause quite a bit of harm to your home – especially if it is left to sit. Within only 24 hours following inital damage, mold can begin to grow. In only 48 hours following damage, deterioration and breakdown of materials will begin. If left even longer than that, Category 1 damage will start to degrade into Category 2 water damage.
Category 2 Water
Damage from Category 2 comes from a source that contains a significant degree of biological and chemical contaminants. This type of water can be harmful if ingested, and even upon contact. It’s termed ‘gray water’ because of the harmful microorganisms it carries. Sources could be toilet bowls not containing feces, seepage from hydrostatic failure, washing machines, showers, and dishwashers. Specific decontamination techniques paired with proper cleaning agents are required for cleanup of Category 2 water. It is very important to avoid any contact with Category 2 water, and make sure that professionals handle all restoration and repair associated with this type of water damage.
Category 3 Water
The last category of water is the most dangerous – Category 3 water, or ‘black water;’ is grossly contaminated. This type contains toxic pathogenic substances, and harbors bacteria, chemicals, ground materials, and disease-causing organisms. Sources of this category include: sewage, toilet water containing feces, seawater, river water, and any other external source of flood water. Category 3 water is extremely dangerous, and requires the use of personal protective gear along with specialized extraction, drying, dehumidification, and sanitizing equipment and materials. Direct contact may cause serious health effects, even death. Cleanup or restoration of damage from any Category 3 water source should be avoided by anyone who is not a trained professional.
No two cases of water damage are the same, and identifying the source right away will allow for adequate and safe cleanup and restoration. With the proper training, equipment, certification, and protection our team will be able to determine which type of water damage your home has received. Then, with proper inspection, our certified technicians will be able to begin the restoration process – ensuring that all safety measures are met and followed. Because different sources of water contribute to different levels of damage, it is important to let experienced professionals handle all damages regardless of the cause or source. PRC is available to meet all your water damage needs in Corona and surrounding areas.
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