Not All Water is Categorized as Equal: Types of Storm Water and the Dangers of Each

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Many Floridians can say they have heard the “cat terms” discussed around them, and most can also say they don’t know what that really means! One thing is certain: These terms aren't going anywhere, so it is best to get educated on them.

One of the first cautions, that is helpful for parents, is that storm water has a high likelihood of being contaminated with raw sewage, dangerous chemicals, or harmful bacteria and viruses capable of transmitting dangerous diseases to your family.

Now that we cleared that up (pun intended,) we will decode storm water characteristics that determine which type of restoration service is needed. All of the services we office are in an attempt to reduce property destruction based on the damage incurred. The 3 levels of water will be covered in more detail below:

Category 1: Clean water

This is made up of water damage from sanitary disasters. Overflowing sinks and bursting pipes and failed supply lines to appliances are the most common in this category..

Category 2: Grey waterThis category has consequences that are painful if ingested. It is generated from washing machines, dishwashers, and urine-tainted toilets. 

Category 3: Black waterThis is deemed the worst of all classifications. Severe illness is probable if ingested. It consists of sewer backups, flooded rivers and any other disasters that cause stagnant liquid to harbor bacterial growth. 

Experts like our technicians can save your structure and their belongings in it when they are called in for service. 

The services can be categorized as below:

Aggressive cleaning includes wall cavities and other surfaces. They are identified and pressure washed with SERVPRO products that are of the highest,most effective quality. Materials that can be restored are flushed and disinfected. 

Moisture detection is one that identifies water damage that can’t be seen with a naked eye. This happens when water is trapped in wall cavities, so SERVPRO’s cutting edge equipment can be used to detect and eliminate odors and further structural damage. 

Rapid structural drying is used when mold begins to spread on moisture-ridden surfaces within only 24 to 48 hours. Oftentimes it is used to seep all the way down to the building’s substructure and it’s necessary to restore pre-flood conditions.

It’s important that you contact a specialist immediately without diagnosing the damage on your own. Our experience can see hope in many elements that seem ruined beyond repair.