The Categories of Water

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) set the standards for the cleaning industry and water damage restoration training.

From the IICRC's standards, there are three categories describing the type of liquid involved in a destruction.

• Category 1 (clean water) This is a liquid from a clean and sanitary source, such as faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc.  But, category one can quickly degrade into category 2.

• Category 2 (gray water) This category of liquid has contaminates that may cause illness or discomfort if ingested.  Sources include dishwasher or washing machine overflows, flush from sink drains, and toilet overflow with some urine but not feces.

• Category 3 (black water) This is the worst classification and is grossly unsanitary.  It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Sources include sewer backup, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.

When hiring a professional to clean up your water damage, it's important to make sure the technician has the right knowledge and tools for the job.

SERVPRO of Clifton's technicians are trained and educated in water damage restoration and categorizing the type of water with every intrusion.  Infrared probes are used to tell the extent of the destruction, as well as air movers, air scrubbers, different sizes and types of dryers and blowers, special hardwood dryers, and dryers designed specifically for drying the sub-floor and inner wall cavities.

Call SERVPRO of Clifton, our technicians are on call 24/7 and can dispatched at a moments notice.

SERVPRO of Clifton 973-928-3705