Floodwater contains more than just water. Biohazardous materials, chemicals, or diseases causing organisms and debris can all float around in floodwater at any given time. All categories of floodwater, no matter how severe, should be cleaned up quickly because sitting water gets more contaminated over time, increasing the health risk to you and your family. From a natural disaster to an at-home accident, it’s important to know the differences in floodwater categories so you can keep your family and your property safe in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.
Man-Made Flood Damage
Man-made water damage is usually a result of malfunctioning appliances. Sinks, toilets, drain pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, laundry machines, and air conditioners can all cause considerable water damage in the home if they were to overflow or break. With routine appliance maintenance, these types of floods are preventable. However, they still account for a large portion of reported water damage insurance claims. Man-made water damage usually consists of the following types of floodwater categories:
Category 1 Water – known as White Water or Clear Water, comes from overflowing sinks, broken water supply lines or a damaged faucet. This is the least hazardous type of floodwater, containing few contaminants. White water can devolve into Category 2 water within 48 hours.
Category 2 Water – known as Grey Water, comes from showers, bathtubs, dishwashers and washing machines. This type of water does contain contaminants that may include soap, grease, bleach or food particulates. Grey water is considered a health risk, so it’s best to call a professional to clean it up to protect yourself from contamination. If not cleaned up properly, it can possibly turn into Category 3 water.
Natural Floods
Natural floods result from hurricanes, monsoons, high tides in coastal areas, or overflowing rivers. Almost every state in the U.S. has had some form of flooding in the past 5 years. Natural floods bring in the most dangerous type of floodwater, since it’s impossible to know exactly where it came from or what it’s picked up along the way into your property.
Category 3 Water – known as Black Water, is the most harmful type of floodwater, with the possibility to cause serious illness or even death. Black water contains animal or human waste and generally comes from natural disasters or sewage backups. NEVER enter an area contaminated with black water and always leave cleanup to a professional.
When your home or business experiences a flood, don’t take any chances. ServiceMaster Superior Cleaning & Restoration Services can clean all categories of floodwater and water damage in Westchester and Fairfield Counties safely and in a timely manner.