Contaminated Water Categories and Cleanup

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

As a homeowner in Tangipahoa, it’s possible you may have to deal with water damage from a leak or flood at some point in time. Several types of contaminated water require extra safety precautions, so it’s essential first to assess the kind of damage to determine how to proceed with removal and repair. Common types of contaminants may include the following:

• Cleaning agents such as soap or bleach
• Grease and oils
• Food residue
• Bodily waste

There are also several other unsafe chemicals and foreign objects that have led experts to create a system to categorize types of water.

Category 1: Clean Water

This type of water is most likely the result of a faucet overflow, broken water supply line, or household appliance malfunction. Keep in mind that although it may not be contaminated water, environmental conditions or the amount of time lapsed can cause the water to elevate to Category 2 or 3. Contact a water damage repair service within the first 48 hours of a clean water spill to prevent worsening damage.

Category 2: Grey Water

Possible sources of grey water can be from appliance discharge, broken sump pumps, and toilet water mixed with urination. Due to the rapid growth of bacteria and mold, cleanup should begin as soon as possible to prevent elevating grey water to Category 3.

Category 3: Black Water

This type of contaminated water is primarily composed of sewage backup containing human and animal waste. It may also source from rivers, streams, and oceans, which are often known to contain bacteria, fungi, and unsanitary chemicals. Contact a cleanup service immediately when this type of water is discovered.