3 Examples of Category 3, or Black Water, Damage

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Learn More about Water Damage following our Tips.

Water damage happens in many ways and can range from inconvenient, such as a warped countertop, to severe, such as multi-story flooding. It's understandable that in some cases the damage can be addressed by the homeowner, but in other situations, such as black water contamination, the damage requires the services of sewage cleanup experts. As a homeowner in Pueblo, CO, here's what you need to know about this extreme water contamination.

3 Examples of Category 3, or Black Water, Damage

The hazards you can expect from the three categories of water damage range from Category 1 water damage that originates from clean water to Category 3 which contains toxic substances, such as bacteria, pesticides, chemicals, and raw sewage. This type of contamination leads to extensive damage and risk. It can also happen in a variety of situations.

1. Outside Flooding

Storms and heavy rain may cause nearby lakes and rivers to flood. It can raise the water table, leading to flooded basements and ground-level homes. When this happens, the rising water carries feces from rodents and neighborhood pets. It also picks up chemicals from pesticides, garbage, and landscaping treatments.

When this contaminated water flows through your home, those toxic substances are readily absorbed by the structural components of your home as well as by your furnishings and belongings.

2. Sewer Backups

There are several potential causes of sewer backups: clogged and blocked sewer pipes, damaged and aging pipes, tree roots in the system, and major blockage in the municipal lines. As soon as sewage emerges from your toilet, bathtub drain, or sink drain, it's important to reduce the risk to you, your family, and your home.

Don't touch the dirty water and close off the area, so pets, children, and other adults don't move in and out of the area. As water evaporates, many of the chemicals and contaminants from the water will get into the air.

It's important that professionals resolve this situation as quickly as possible. Water damage cleanup and restoration pros have the proper protective equipment and commercial cleaners to remove heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, chemicals, urine, and raw sewage safely and thoroughly from your home. These technicians have extensive training to protect them and your home from the hazards carried by this contaminated water.

3. Standing Clean Water Flooding

Flooding in your home may originate from a source of clean water. Maybe the bathtub was left running and overflowed. A pipe under the kitchen sink may burst, or a damaged clothes dryer could cause flooding. Initially, this water damage falls into Category 1 and Category 2 contamination, but when that water is allowed to sit for more than 24 hours, the damage will increase until you have black water contamination. This happens because the sitting water absorbs chemicals from the drywall, carpeting, and other materials.

Black water, or Category 3, damage is the most dangerous type of water contamination and should only be cleaned up by professionals with the appropriate protective gear, equipment, and treatments. Your top priority should be ensuring the safety of your family and reducing damage to your home.