Flood damage differs from traditional water damage primarily due to the contaminants each carries. There are three types of water damage: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3. Water damage can be more dangerous to your home and health when the level is higher. Here’s everything you need to know about water damage and flood damage, and how a water damage remediation company can help.

Different Categories of Water

As noted above, there are three categories of water:

• Clean Water: Category 1
• Gray Water: Category 2
• Black Water: Category 3

Most clean water damage results from household plumbing problems, such as a broken pipe or overflowing sink. Clean water does not contain harmful contaminants. It is easily cleaned and dried. 

Gray water damage is more serious. This includes overflowing washers, toilets, and sump pumps. Gray water contains toxins harmful to your health and home. Gray water-damaged areas should be disinfected immediately. Even so, these leaks can be pretty easy to fix.

Black water damage, which always includes floodwater, is the most severe type of water damage. The reason for this is that when it floods, the water picks up all sorts of harmful pollutants, including human waste and chemicals. If left untreated, this will negatively impact your health. 

Differences in the Treatment and Drying Processes

Treatment and drying of water damage require different tools and timeframes. As a rule, Category 1 or 2 water damage takes less time to remedy than flood damage. This is because the leaks are usually contained to one area of the house. You may be able to treat these areas yourself with a rag and the proper cleaner. 

In general, flood damage is more severe. Flood damage affects multiple rooms. As a result, you may need to rip up your carpet and dry the walls from the inside out. In addition, you will need tools such as wet-dry vacs and dehumidifiers to properly dry the affected rooms. This decreases the probability of mold forming. Professional water damage restoration companies have these tools, which are not always available to homeowners. 

Do You Have Water Damage? Don’t Handle It Alone. Let the Team at California Steam Clean Help

Regardless of how it happens, it’s never fun to clean up water damage yourself. California Steam Clean has the tools and the knowledge necessary to locate and treat water damage at its source. To schedule an appointment, call (707) 755-7079 as soon as you are ready.