As a homeowner, dealing with the aftermath of water damage can be a nightmare. Water damage can lead to safety hazards and structural deficiencies in your home, which can be frustrating, expensive, and overwhelming.

However, when tackling the cleanup, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of the type of water damage you’re dealing with. These categories refer to the extent of contamination in the water, which also helps you know what you’ll ultimately be dealing with.

The experts at Mr. Restore, the top-rated water damage restoration company in Amarillo, Texas, are going to explain the different categories of water damage below.

Category 1: Sanitary or Clean Water Damage

Category 1 water damage originates from sources of sanitary water supply, including rainwater, toilet tank or bowls (without contaminants), malfunctioning appliances, and supply lines. Since it is clean water, the damage isn’t hazardous and has no substantial risk.

The damage is usually safe to tackle yourself since there is no immediate health risk from exposure. However, standing clean water can also turn into category 2, gray water, in as little as 40 to 48 hours.

A skilled and knowledgeable water damage restoration company in Amarillo, Texas, can quickly recover affected items. Carpeting, hardwood flooring, and wet drywall are often the materials dried and salvaged under this category.

Category 2: Significantly Contaminated or Gray Water Damage

Category 2 water damage usually results from bathtubs and showers, broken aquariums, dishwashers, hydrostatic pressure seepage, overflowing toilet bowl (with urine), and washing machine discharge. You could be experiencing significantly contaminated gray water that is potent enough to cause sickness or discomfort. But there are fewer pathogens than black water.

Such flooding can affect carpeting, furniture, and drywall. Proper disinfection of the affected material becomes essential in this case, so your well-being isn’t impacted. Gray water damage can also be addressed without professional help but only to some extent. If the flooding or damage is extensive, it is best to contact an Amarillo water damage restoration company to decontaminate your space safely.

Remember, the cleanup and restoration process must begin immediately, or the damage can advance into category 3 in less than 24 to 48 hours.

Category 3: Grossly Contaminated or Black Water Damage

Any scale of Category 3 water damage is a destructive and dangerous emergency. The sources include river water, sewage, seawater, toilet overflows (with urine and fecal matter), wind-driven (storm or hurricane) rains, and waste line backflows. It is filthy, toxigenic, and pathogenic water flooding that results in adverse consequences. Having dissolved particulates or chemicals makes black water even more deadly.

Due to the unsanitary water conditions, porous items like carpets, upholstery, and drywall absorb the pollutants and become unsalvageable. Contact with Category 3 water is harmful to pets, humans, and your belongings.

Only a qualified, certified, and experienced water damage restoration company in Amarillo, Texas, should tackle black water damage in your property. They maintain the highest level of care and precision while cleaning up the mess and helping you restore your possessions.

Are You Looking for the Top Water Damage Restoration Company in Amarillo, Texas?

If you’re dealing with water damage in your home, it’s important that you’re able to understand the problem at hand and take the appropriate steps to have it fixed. You shouldn’t try to eliminate it all by yourself. Instead, it’s better to turn to the professionals at Mr. Restore. As the top-rated water damage restoration company in Amarillo, Texas, we have been restoring homes and business properties for over 50 years.

Contact us today to request a free estimate.