The Three Categories of Water Damage in Oceanside, CA Part Three: Category 3 “Black” Water Damage

Water damage restoration technicians categorize home water damage based on the source of the water that caused the damage. There are three categories: clean, gray, and black. Which category of water damage your home falls into will have a big impact on repair and restoration efforts.

In this third post, we’re going to take a look at Category 3 “black” water damage, the most severe type of water damage.

What is Category 3 “Black” Water Damage?

Water damage is categorized according to the health risk it poses to humans. “Clean” water damage is caused by clean water that doesn’t pose a health threat to humans, such as a leaking water line or rainfall. “Gray” water damage is caused by water that is mildly contaminated. It may or may not present a threat if swallowed or comes into contact with the skin.

Category 3 “black” water is water that is grossly unsanitary. Black water is water that contains high levels of harmful materials, including chemicals, disease-causing organisms, toxins, and/or human waste. It can cause discomfort, illness, or even death if consumed or exposed to humans.

Black water can enter a home from several sources:

• Sewage backup due to clogged sewer line
• Overflowing toilet water that contains fecal material
• Flooding from rainwater mixed with sewage
• Flooding from rivers and streams
• Storm surges

Why is Black Water Damage So Hazardous?

It’s important to avoid contact with any surfaces or possessions that have been exposed to black water.

Flooding is one of the most common sources of Category 3 water damage. Flood waters can contain microorganisms (bacteria, parasites, viruses, etc.), chemicals (including fertilizers, pesticides, and automotive fluids), toxins (such as lead, mercury, and radioactive materials), and human and animal waste. Exposure to black water can cause a wide range of health problems in humans:

• Gastrointestinal infections
• Dysentery
• Skin rashes
• Wound infections
• Respiratory infections
• Allergic reactions
• Infectious hepatitis
• Renal damage

Black Water Damage Restoration

Because of the special health challenges posed by black water, the water damage restoration process for Category 3 water damage is more complicated than other categories of water damage. Category 3 water damage should only be left to an experienced water restoration professional.

Routine cleaning and drying processes may not be sufficient to deal with the contaminated structures and objects within your home. To avoid infection and illness, PPEs, such as gloves and respirators are often required to mitigate the damage. Most contaminated structures and objects will have to be removed and disposed of before restoration can begin.

Oceanside, CA’s First Choice for Water Damage Restoration

Category 3 black water damage presents a serious danger to your property and family. The sooner water damage restoration and mitigation begin the better.

1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration had been providing outstanding water damage restoration services to home and business owners in Oceanside, CA since 2012. Our highly trained and licensed team of Oceanside, CA water damage restoration professionals have the know-how and equipment to safely mitigate and repair all kinds of water damage – including Category 3 water damage.

Contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration through our website or call us at 866-437-0205 to schedule a call.