How SERVPRO® Determines Water Categories | SERVPRO® of Prattville

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Prattville is ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today for all your water restoration needs!

Whether the water cleanup needs in your property are a result of a leaking roof or a broken water pipe, you must take immediate action. The amount of water on your property and its source helps us to select the most appropriate restoration procedures. SERVPRO® of Prattville classifies water damage into three categories based on their water sources. 

Professional water restoration services are necessary, even when the water is from a treated source such as burst pipes or overflowing sinks.

Category One: Clean Water

Clean water originates from a sanitary water source and does NOT pose a substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure.

Clean water usually presents few health effects unless it has flowed across the soil. In most cases, carpets and pads exposed to this water category are salvageable. It is also essential to note Category One can deteriorate quickly to Category Two or Three as it flows through other materials.

Category Two: Gray Water

Gray water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. 

Gray water contains waste products, not human waste. It might be water from an overflowing toilet - without solid matter - or a washing machine. Our SERVPRO® technicians typically advise property owners to replace the carpet pad exposed to gray water. In rare cases, some carpets might be salvageable through thorough cleaning. A Category Two water damage can also deteriorate to a Category Three depending on the time the materials remain wet and how high the temperature rises.

Category Three: Black Water

Black water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents, and can cause significant adverse reactions to humans if contacted or consumed.

Category Three requires Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and containment until adequately cleaned. Water from floods full of debris and silt is under this category. It is mandatory to replace porous items and all carpets exposed to this form of water. SERVPRO® technicians ensure we comply with the safety standards recommended by OSHA when dealing with black water.

Here at SERVPRO®, we understand the concerns about possible health effects when exposed to contaminants during the restoration process. Since every situation is unique, we have the experience to choose appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. The most common PPE we use include respirators, hearing protection, disposable coveralls, head protection, gloves, and disposable boots.

SERVPRO® of Prattville attends to all sizes of residential and commercial restoration emergencies. Call us at 334.284.1612 when you need to work with a trusted and locally owned restoration industry leader.