Quick Guide To Category 3 Water Damage

Flood water at your business in Farragut, TN, may be a minor inconvenience or a major undertaking. This depends on how much water is present, how quickly drying procedures are initiated, and the category of water damage.

What Is Category 3 Water Damage?

There are three categories of water damage. Category 1 is considered freshwater from a clean source such as a broken supply line or overflowed sink. Category 2 is referred to as gray water, as it is contaminated but does not usually contain viruses or bacteria. Category 3 is the most time-intensive to address:

• Category 3 is otherwise known as black water due to the high level of contamination. Black flood water contains bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.
• Touching or ingesting black water can make you very ill. Professional water restoration specialists use protective safety gear and equipment when dealing with this type of water damage to avoid contact.
• Causes include toilet overflow, sewage back up from an exterior line, or stormwater.

How Is Black Water Cleaned?

With all types of water damage, take immediate action. Mold grows in as little as 48 hours after flooding. Steps for water damage from contaminated sources include:

• A containment area is constructed to prevent other parts of your business from being contaminated by black water or airborne bacteria and viruses.
• Excess water is removed with professional-grade pumps and vacuums.
• Structures and contents that are porous easily soak up the black water, therefore the materials are removed from the premises and discarded.
• The impacted areas are dried and monitored for hidden moisture.
• Building structures and inventory are cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized. Air is filtered.

Take immediate action when your commercial property in Farragut, TN, experiences floodwater from a toilet overflow or storm. Although the steps may be time-consuming, it is necessary to properly clean and sanitize the building and materials to return your business to pre-loss condition.