The Full Guide: Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can range from minor leaks to major flooding. Unchecked water damage water damage restoration Los Angeles can do continued harm in the long term and lead to health hazards if not cleaned and repaired immediately.

This guide reviews best practices for water damage repair and the differences between mitigation and restoration following leaks, floods and other water events.

What Is Category 3 Water Damage?

In the aftermath of a major leak, flood or other water intrusion, cleanup isn’t just a matter of mopping up puddles and letting carpets dry. Water damage restoration Pros must take steps to sanitize contaminants, remove the property that cannot be repaired and restore the items that can.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) designates different categories of damage based on the three types of water:

Clean water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose a substantial risk to people exposed to it.

Gray water contains significant contamination and may cause discomfort or illness on exposure. It can contain unsafe levels of bacteria, mold or other contaminants. Sources of gray water include showers, baths, dishwashers and washing machines.

Black water is grossly contaminated and may have sewage, grease runoff, toxins or pathogens that can be hazardous on exposure.
The different categories of water damage require different cleanup methods to remove potential hazards.

Category 1 water damage can involve rainwater, snowmelt, leaking water supply lines, overflowing sinks, bathtubs, showers or toilets, as long as the water contains no contaminants. The affected property can be easily dried or replaced without long-term effects.

Category 2 water damage can involve broken dishwashers or washing machines, overflowing toilets (with urine only), broken sump pumps or leaking aquariums. The affected property must be completely disinfected.

Category 3 water damage involves black water, particularly when it soaks into porous materials such as unsealed cement, wood or sheetrock. It usually originates with flooded sewer systems, seawater or river water flooding and requires the most extensive sanitization process.

Water-damaged property can include rot, rust, mold, swelling, discoloration and delamination. Related damage includes burst pipes, missing shingles, broken appliances and other sources of leaks.