Leaks, backups, and other sources in which water can enter your home are all damaging, but none are exactly alike. Discovering where the water comes from determines the impact it will have on your property. Determining the category of water damage you are experiencing helps determine the extent of restoration services needed.

The IICRC’s S-500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration defines water in three categories based on the level of contamination.

Category One

Category one water, or “clean water” is a source that doesn’t pose a threat to people. Examples include burst pipes, broken water supply lines, or bathtub or sink overflows, and appliance malfunctions.

Category Two

Category two water, or “grey water” is a source that can cause sickness or discomfort when consumed because it contains physical, biological, or chemical contaminants. Examples include sump pump failures, discharge from washing machines or dishwashers, and toilet bowls with urine.

Category Three

Category three water, or “black water” is a source that causes severe sickness or discomfort when consumed because it contains harmful fungi and bacteria. This category of water is often considered unsanitary and contaminated. Examples include toilet backups with feces, sewage, standing water, and rising water from nearby streams or rivers.

Damaging Effects

Mold and fungi growth on your property is a common and unsanitary consequence of water damage. Mold spores are always present in the air and they can be hazardous to your health when ingested. In dry areas, spores remain dormant, but once excess moisture arrives in the home, they will use it to grow into a mold infestation.

Mold spores need only moisture and a food source to grow, which is why mold growth is such a common side effect of water damage. It eats away at affected areas, like wood and drywall, weakening the structure of the building, and triggers allergies in people frequently exposed to it.

Mold can cause aesthetic problems to the home, such as streaks, discoloration, and staining on the walls. Drywall and other surfaces swell and warp when they absorb excess water and may create a large hole in the wall. Exposure to mold can cause health effects, such as coughing, nasal congestion, sneezing fits, and difficulty breathing. Frequent exposure can cause respiratory infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems.

Preventative Measures

There are many different options to help you prevent excess water from entering your property. It is important to perform preventative measures on your home because it will save you money, time, and stress during a flood, heavy storm, or a broken appliance.

The best ways to prevent water damage include:

• Check exterior siding to prevent water leaks from worn out or faulty siding. Wood siding easily warps and rots, so installing vinyl siding is a good idea.
• Check for interior leaks to avoid mold, mildew, and pests. Check for stains on the walls or ceilings, dark spots under pipes, and dripping water. If your roof or windows are leaking, it is important to replace them
• Maintain proper drainage to prevent uneven settling, cracks, and other things that weaken the foundation of your home. Install gutters that function properly and clean them regularly. Make sure your yard slopes downward so the water flows away from your property.
• Test sump pump because it is a great tool for fighting against water damage. Test your sump pump routinely to make sure it’s working and if not, replace it.

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Before you begin the water mitigation process, consider the source of the damage and how much contamination is present in the water. This helps determine the extent of the water extraction needed and how the property is cleaned and restored. If you are experiencing category three water damage, affected surfaces and materials may need to be replaced rather than restored.

Your safety and health are your priorities when encountering water damage, so avoid standing water and unplug electronics. Do not attempt to perform water mitigation yourself and if you have category two or three water damage, stay out of the water completely. You will likely need professional water damage restoration services for proper water extraction.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.