Water leaks and more significant water damage are an all too frequent occurrence in our daily lives. Faulty and leaking refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, and pipes, as well as sink and tub overflows are the most common problems. Fortunately they are also the easiest to remedy, since turning off the water source and quickly cleaning and drying wet floors, walls, carpeting and furnishings, and then ventilating, can be accomplished. Known as Category 1 Water incidents, they are classified as Clean Water and pose no substantial threat to humans. Category 2 Water, known as Grey Water, does step up concerns, since Grey Water contains some degree of biological, physical or chemical contaminants due to microorganisms and nutrients of microorganisms. Urine and feces from overflow toilet water, sump pump failures, water discharge from washing machines and dishwashers all fall into the Grey Water classification and as such often require the services of qualified water remediation specialists. Category 3 Water -- Black Water -- is a significantly different hazard. Black Water is unsanitary since it contains harmful bacteria and fungi than can cause severe human discomfort or sickness. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from a structure and/or has remained stagnant may be reclassified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originate from beyond the toilet trap are considered Black Water contamination regardless of visible content or color.
People who are skilled in water remediation are your best defence in adequately remediating water damage. When in doubt as to the class or severity of water damage to a home or business, a call to a local Paul Davis office can ease concerns or remedy more severe water damage. Learn more at http://pauldavis.ca/