Emergency Water Removal: Understanding Water Types

When dealing with emergency water damage removal, it is important to be aware that not all water damage is the same. In fact, water damage is divided into 3 different categories based on the type of water present. These three types of contaminated water have their own appropriate remediation plans that need to be followed to safely remove the water. We at Stanley Restoration know how important it is to know which one you are dealing with to ensure correct action is taken in getting your Dallas home cleaned up.

Category 1: Clean Water

Category 1 water comes from a clean source, such as a leaky faucet or broken supply line. Water damage restoration from category 1 water is fairly simple. First, water must be extracted and dried completely. Then, damaged materials can be repaired or replaced. If category 1 water is not remediated quickly and correctly, it can turn into category 2 or 3 water.

Category 2: Gray Water

Category 2 water is contaminated water that may contain bacteria and viruses. Common sources of category 2 water include dishwasher overflow, washing machine overflow, and toilet overflow (without feces).  This type of water could cause illness by coming in contact with it, and needs to be handled promptly. Not only is adequate drying needed, but thorough disinfecting must also take place. If left untreated, category 2 water can very quickly degrade to category 3 water.

Category 3: Black Water

Like the name entails, category 3 water is grossly contaminated. All contact should be avoided because this type of water can cause serious illness and even death if ingested. Black water can come from flooding streams, canals or rivers, water from the sewer line, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or long-standing water that has begun to grow microbes.  This type of water requires professional clean up with the use of specialized equipment to safely remove contaminants. 

If you are unsure which type of water you are dealing with, be sure to call a water damage restoration team. With the proper training and equipment, Stanley Restoration can determine the water category and proceed with an appropriate plan of action for your emergency water removal. While you are waiting for us to arrive, there are steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe from contaminated water.

• Keep children and pets away from the affected area
• Contact your insurance company and let them know a restoration team is on their way. Take pictures of the damage as proof for your insurance adjuster.
• Stop the further spread of contamination by keeping the area contained as best as possible.
• Be sure to use personal protective equipment such as facemasks, rubber gloves and boots, and impervious coveralls if you have to go into the area.
• Turn off all electrical power to your home in the affected area.
• Turn off the water supply and any running water into the home or area.
• DO NOT use the HVAC unit to ventilate the area because that can spread microbes through the air. If possible, open windows in the affected area to get airflow. 
• Remove any dry, uncontaminated items out of the area. 

Emergency Water Removal In Dallas

When you call Stanley Restoration for emergency water removal in Dallas, you can rest assured that your home is in the best care possible. Do not risk handling contaminated water, and let the professionals safely and effectively clean up your water damage.