Gray Water Flooding: What It Is, What To Do

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Left to its own devices, water can destroy your home.

Dealing with water damage is one of the most difficult situations a homeowner can face. Knowing how to respond quickly in the event of floods is critical in order to avoid more complications. Because water damage can occur from a variety of sources, it's critical to follow precise protocols to limit loss. The experts at SERVPRO Kaufman County & Cedar Creek are well-versed in the dangers of water damage to your property. Learn more about water damage and what you can do to keep your property and family safe by reading on. Contaminated Water Categories Identifying the type of contamination you're dealing with is one of the most important phases in recovering from water damage. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) divides contaminated water into three categories depending on: 

1. The source of the flooding
2. The duration of time spent in contact with the structure
3. The possibility of dangerous substances or pollutants being present.

 Category 2 Water - Gray Water Category 2 water damage, often known as gray water or sullage, may contain some contamination that is dangerous to humans and animals. Toilet bowls containing urine, water from a dishwasher or washing machine, and flood damage caused by sump pump failure are the most typical forms of Category 2 water damage. Gray water is dangerous as additives used during washing, bathing, cleaning, or cooking could offer a number of health hazards, and all can be found in Category 2 water. The contaminants allow disease-causing organisms to spread through hand to mouth, hand to eyes, or direct contact with injured skin. Gray water can get progressively more contaminated as time passes and temperature fluctuates. If left untreated, Category 2 water can swiftly evolve into Category 3 water due to bacterial growth, posing major health danger. Without early action, moisture can allow hazardous mold to grow, just like any other type of water damage. How is Category 2 water cleaned up?The best technique for mitigation of Category 2 water after flooding will differ depending on the nature of the water damage. However, certain rules advocated by organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (IICRC) may be effective in preventing damage. The following are some examples of these guidelines: 

• Removing porous materials: Porous items such as wood, carpets, curtains, and insulation should be removed and disposed to limit the risk of dangerous mold growth.
• Cleaning hard surfaces: To remove mold and water damage from recoverable materials, several disinfectants and cleaning chemicals must be utilized.
• Cleaning or sanitizing HVAC equipment entails the following steps: Cleaning, uninstalling, or replacing HVAC equipment that could recirculate mold spores can help keep your family and home safe.
• Drying the structure and removing water: All contents of the house, including drywall, flooring, carpet, and soft furnishings, should be dried thoroughly.

Because Category 2 water can inflict substantial, long-term damage to your home and your health, you should always hire a professional for cleanup. SERVPRO, qualified restoration experts, knows the ramifications of water damage and will act quickly to resolve the issue. We specialize in conducting residential and commercial water damage mitigation that conforms to IICRC standards to assist bring your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. To learn more, reach out to one of our experts today. And remember, we're always here to help.