Water Losses for Residential and Commercial Properties

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

The 3 different categories of water loss: 1-Clean Water; 2-Grey Water; and 3-Black Water.

It is vital to act as quickly as possible, to properly mitigate water damage.  It will save you a lot of time, money, and any potential damage.  To follow are the different categories of water loss, which will provide an understanding of what to look for if such situations occur on your property, in the event of water loss emergencies.

Category 1- Clean Water

Category 1 is considered Clean Water, which originates from a sanitary source, that could include:

• A broken water supply line;
• Tub or sink overflow (with no contaminates);
• Appliance malfunction involving water supply lines;
• Falling rainwater; and
• Broken toilet or hot water heater tanks.

In general, clean water losses can be dried in a reasonable time with no complications.  However there’s always a chance that it can worsen, depending on what materials were effected.

Category 2- Grey Water

In Category 2, Grey Water can originate from a Category 1 source, dependent on the length of time the loss was discovered.  Grey Water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or other organic/inorganic matter.  Examples of Grey Water are:

• Discharge and/or runoff from a dishwasher or washing machine;
• Overflow from a toilet bowl (with urine only);
• Broken Aquariums; and
• Punctured water beds.

In some cases Grey Water can be cleaned and dried, but since Grey Water contains some contamination, it requires more invasive attention.

Category 3- Black Water

When it comes to the last type of loss, Category 3, water can originate from both Category 1 and 2, again, due to the length of time when it was discovered.  Black Water is grossly contaminated, containing infective, and possibly, detrimental agents.  Category 3 Water Sources come from:

• Sewage;
• Toilet Back-flows;
• Flooding from:
  • Seawater
  • Ground Surface Water; and
  • Rising Water from Rivers or Streams.
• Any water sources contaminated from:
  • Pesticides;
  • Organic Matter; and
  • Toxic Organic Substances.

Unfortunately, any porous materials that come in contact with Black Water should be removed from the location as soon as possible.   All Black Water losses are beyond the drying point and require aggressive mitigation and decontamination.  Once the residence or commercial property is cleaned and decontaminated, the structure can be dried properly.

If you are experiencing a Residential or Commercial Water Loss Call SERVPRO of South San Francisco City/ San Bruno at 1-650-794-1000.