What is in your water?

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that the water that comes into or leaves your home as a result of busted pipes or leaks is classified? When it comes to mitigation in your home, it's best to leave it to the experts at SERVPRO of Naperville to handle the situation because the water must be treated properly in order to be safe. You never know what's in your water or what it's been exposed to that has contaminated it.

 The following information describes the most common forms of water damage and can assist you in quickly identifying the problem if it occurs to you.

Category One: Clear Water

This is the safest and least toxic form of water damage. It's portable water, probably straight from the sink. And if you are exposed for a long time, it is unlikely to hurt you. Also, clean flooding can cause electrical and structural problems, so it's best to leave the repairs to the professionals. A broken water supply pipe, a tub or sink overflowing with no pollutants, and refrigerator malfunctions involving water-supply lines, to name a few, are all sources of clean water. Clean water, on the other hand, cannot stay clean after touching other surfaces or materials until it leaves the exit point. Although it is considered the "safest" of the categories, it can degrade to category 2 or 3 if left untreated.

Category two: Grey Water

Gray water damage is a little more severe and necessitates a faster cleanup. This is due to the possibility of hazardous amounts of chemicals, microorganisms, or soil. Overflows from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls containing urine; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure; and damaged aquariums are all examples of Cat 2 water. f left untreated; it can quickly degrade into category 3.

Category three: Black Water

Water classified as Cat 3 is highly polluted and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful organisms. Sewage; toilet backflows from outside the trap; flooding from seawater, rivers or streams, ground surface water, or other polluted water entering the indoor atmosphere are all examples of Cat 3 water.

SERVPRO of Naperville's team is trained in the proper handling of the various categories and wears protective gear to reduce the risk of illness.