Types of Water Damage
According to the IICRC (the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), there are 3 types of water damage.
The categories of water damage are:
- Category 1: Clean Water Damage – Category 1 water damage is the least dangerous because it is toxin-free. This “clean water” usually comes from broken water lines and overflowing sinks and bathtubs. Because the water is non-toxic, the affected areas typically do not need to undergo significant disinfecting processes.
- Category 2: Grey Water Damage – While it isn’t always dangerous, Category 2 water damage does tend to contain chemicals and waste. “Grey water” is the water that is created from using the sink, shower, bathtub, dishwasher, or washing machine. Because it is possible that this water is contaminated, damaged areas should be properly sanitized.
- Category 3: Black Water Damage – Category 3 water damage is the most severe type of water damage. This is because “black water” often contains incredibly harmful toxins such as bacteria and other organisms that cause illness. Black water damage is often caused by sewage, floodwaters, ocean water, river water, and groundwater. When your home experiences this type of water damage, it must undergo extensive, thorough disinfecting processes.
The Akron water damage restoration experts at Cut and Dry Restoration have the professional-grade disinfecting products, water removal equipment, and expertise necessary to handle every type of water damage and restore safety to your home.
Old Water Damage vs. New Water Damage
If you discover water damage in your home, you’ll want to know whether it is old or new. Determining how long the problem has been taking place can help you understand how severe the damage might be. Typically, it is easier to make repairs when the damage is discovered earlier on.
Below are some of the things you will have to consider in order to determine how old your water damage is:
- How does it feel? If the affected area is wet, but feels sturdy, the damage is probably new. If the wet area is squishy, that often indicates that the damage is older.
- Are there rings? Older water damaged areas will have rings around the wet spots, which indicate that the area has been through a process of becoming soaked, drying, become soaked again, and so on.
- Is there mold? Mold usually takes around 2-3 days to form, so if you discover mold growth in areas damaged by water, the damage has been there for at least that long. Because mold is so dangerous, you will want to schedule mold removal straight away if you discover it.
- Is there any decay? Materials that are damaged by water tend to start showing signs of decay and deterioration after being soaked for a long period of time.
Here for You When You Need Us Most
Cut and Dry Restoration is fully committed to being there for you when you need us most. If your home is struck by a flood, a storm, a plumbing leak, an overflowing toilet, broken water or sewer line, or any other event that resulted in water damage, our experts are here to help. No matter the cause, type, or severity of the water damage in your home, we will deliver the fast, dependable service you deserve.
Cut and Dry Restoration is always on call and ready to provide you water damage repairs. Call (330) 525-2501 to request service today.