Contaminated Water Loss

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that contaminated water loss is treated differently than a clean water loss? You might be asking yourself what a clean water loss is and what is a contaminated water loss. A clean water loss (also known as a category 1) is caused by a water that originates from a sanitary waster source. Some examples of a category 1 loss are a sink or bathtub overflow or water supply line. A category 2 water loss (also known as grey water) is when water contains contamination and has the potential to cause sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Some examples of a category 2 water loss are a washer machine overflow or dishwasher backup. Then the last category is class 3 (dirty water) and it is when the water can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. A Category 3 examples are sewage and toilet backup and any ground water that has com in from he outdoors.

Things not to do and to do if you have a category 3 water loss.

• Make sure not to unnecessarily walk on damage or wet areas because that can spread the contaminates.
• HVAC should be turned off to prevent any possibility of spready air contaminates.
• Do not use any household fans to dry the structure because that can spread contaminates.
• If exposed to contaminated area, make sure to use products for personal hygiene to clean yourself. This includes washing your hand thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.
• Avoid any contact with sewage items.

If you happen to experience a water loss please feel free to call SERVPRO Thousand Oaks at (805) 492-2434