Water is water right? Why do I need SERVPRO of Reno Southwest?

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

The majority of our population believes water is water. Without the knowledge of a trained and knowledgeable restoration company like SERVPRO of Reno Southwest missteps can happen easily that could have serious health risks to you, your family or pets. Understanding class and category of water is the first step in mitigating damages properly. Below you will learn the difference in class and category of water.

Categories of Water

Category 1
Damage originates from a sanitary source and poses no substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Category 1 damage can degrade into Category 2 or 3 if it sits too long.

Category 2
Damage contains significant contamination and has potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. It involves damage from “grey water”, such as washing machine or dishwasher containing detergents. It may also involve water containing urine from toilet overflows.

Category 3
Involves grossly contaminated water. Category 3 water comes from sewage, river flooding and standing water that has begun growing bacteria and other microbes.

Classes of Water

Class 1
The least amount of water, absorption and evaporation. It affects only part of a room or area, or larger areas containing materials that have absorbed minimal moisture. Little or no wet carpet and/or pad is present.

Class 2
This involves a large amount of water, absorption and evaporation. It affects at least an entire room and has absorbed into carpeting and walls.

Class 3
The greatest amount of water, absorption and evaporation. Water may have come from overhead. Ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, pad and subfloor in virtually the entire area are saturated. Class 3 damaged is considered the worst.

Class 4
Specialty drying situations. Wet materials with very low permanence/porosity (hardwood, concrete and stone). These types of losses may require longer drying times and special methods.