Suffering damage due to mildly contaminated, or gray, water is a difficult position to be in as a homeowner. In the event that you’re faced with category 2 water damage, it’s important to understand the effects that this type of water damage can have on your property and health. Here are some important things to know about gray water.
What is Gray Water?
Classified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), gray water, or category 2 water damage, is contaminated water that can contain pathogens that may be harmful to both humans and animals. Gray water can originate from several sources within your home. Water from your toilet bowl that contains only urine is a common type of gray water, but it can also come from the water inside dishwashers and washing machines.
This type of water damage can be caused by a sump pump failure, a burst pipe, or an overflowing of plumbing fixtures. Gray water damage has the potential to wreak havoc on your carpeting, hardwood, walls, or ceiling. Saturating most surfaces that it comes in contact with, contaminated water is not something to take lightly.
What Are the Risks of Gray Water Damage?
Flooding in your home can ultimately lead to significant damage. With that it should be dealt with swiftly and professionally. Homeowners should make their health a top priority as well. Exposing yourself or your pets to this type of water damage is something that can and should be avoided.
Gray water poses mild health risks to those that come in contact with it. The water is contaminated with microorganisms that, when in contact with or consumed can cause acute discomfort and sickness to animals and humans.
If left untreated, category 2 water damage has the potential to develop into a far more dangerous and much more highly contaminated form of water damage called “black water.” It can take as little as 2 days for category 2 water to become category 3, so time is of the essence when it comes to starting the restoration process.
Our Process For Category 2 Water Damage Restoration
The restoration process for gray water first involves a thorough inspection of the water damage. After this is complete, the Compleat Restorations team will begin extracting the water. This process will remove any standing water from the flooring, along with any water that is unseen.
Humidifiers and large air movers will then be installed and monitored daily until the affected area is completely dry. All drying equipment remains in place until the area becomes dry. This is according to the proper Standard of Care as determined by the IICRC.
Dealing with water damage is not something you have to take on alone; Compleat Restorations has the tools necessary to repair water damage and restore the damaged portion of your home to its prior condition.
Are you in need of water damage restoration services for gray water? If there is any category of water damage, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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