Any water damage in your Tampa, FL, business is an unwelcome scenario. While it may be natural to want to immediately start the cleanup process, not all water is the same. There are different categories and levels associated with a water loss, and each kind has associated cleanup recommendations.
Categories of Water
When you find water where it shouldn’t be, even if it is only a little, knowing which type it ensures the damage is properly handled. The three types are:
Clean Water: Considered the safest type, this damage comes from a clean source, such as a burst pipe, supply line leak or overflowing bathtub. It contains no contaminants and is safe to clean.
Grey Water: This type may have some mild contaminants but is typically not deemed harmful. Sources of this kind often involves an appliance, such as a washing machine or dishwasher.
Black Water: This is severe water damage that is potentially full of sewage, chemicals and bacteria and is often associated with natural flooding or sewer backups.
Category 3 Levels
If your business has been affected by a flood, although the problem needs to be quickly addressed, precautions need to be taken. Category 3 damage has three levels of severity.
Level 1 has limited waste and often starts in the building, such as a toilet overflow. This level usually only affects a small area and is unlikely to penetrate porous materials or the structure.
Level 2 also begins within the building but has a broader reach and affects nonporous and porous materials, including carpet, drywall, cabinets and upholstery.
Level 3 is associated with flooding and originates outside of the structure. Overflowing streams, rivers or storm surges mean that this water is carrying debris and other potentially harmful materials.
While it is vital to address any water damage, it is just as important to know the type of damage beforehand to ensure a safe and proper cleanup.
While it is vital to address any water damage, it is just as important to know the type of damage beforehand to ensure a safe and proper cleanup.