Water Damage Categories And Classes

Water damage projects are identified by the water category and damage classification that is assigned during an inspection. Read on to learn how water quality and volume can affect the repair process.

Clean Water

Clean water has not come into contact with biohazard materials or chemicals. This type of water damage may occur as a result of an overflowing bathtub or a leaky pipe. Clean water repair processes require materials to be dried out. Targeted cleaning processes are typically not executed during a clean water restoration process. 

Grey Water

Grey water has come into contact with some contaminants. This type of water damage may occur as a result of a leaking washing machine or dishwasher.

Due to the increased threat of contamination, a cleanup crew may use specific cleaning processes to treat materials that have come into contact with grey water. The cleanup process will require that surfaces are dried. Afterward, targeted methods will be used to clean surfaces.

Black Water

Black water has come into contact with biohazards or chemicals. This type of water damage may occur as a result of a backed up septic system. The danger of black water often necessitates that structural materials and loose items are disposed of. A thorough cleaning process must be conducted within the area where water damage was detected.

Damage Classes

Water damage restoration specialists use a classification system to identify the type of water damage that is present. The classification system factors in the amount of water that has accumulated.

Damage that has been labeled as minor will be fairly easy to remedy. A project that has been classified as extensive is one that will likely require that materials are replaced. The damage class that a restoration specialist outlines will affect the cost of a project and the amount of time that it will take to fix an existing problem.

The Project

A water damage specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the premises are safe while a restoration project is underway. They may request that a property owner refrains from spending time on the property while a restoration project is complete.

If some loose items are going to be cleaned offsite, a restoration specialist will make arrangements to have the materials transported to a facility where they will be treated. Once the restoration process is complete, the owner of the property will be notified that they can safely access their property.

Contact a local company to learn more about water damage restoration.

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