Water damage is typically categorized into three different categories based on the level of potential for contamination. Category 3 water damage is the most severe level of contamination, often involving sewage or floodwater. In Windsor, flooding can occur due to snowmelt or heavy rainfall, with homes in low-lying areas facing an increased risk. In this article, we cover what category 3 water damage is, its common sources, and the signs to look for in Windsor, Colorado.
What Category 3 Water Damage Actually Means
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit organization that establishes the industry practices for cleaning and restoration professionals. The organization defined the three types of water damage categories in its S500 Standard, a reference guide for professional water damage restoration.
Category 1 water refers to a leak from a generally clean source. These incidents are more sanitary and are not an immediate health concern for those in close proximity. For example, a sink overflowing or a faulty water heater will often begin as Category 1 water damage.
Category 2 water involves leaks that are moderately contaminated with microorganisms. These types of water leaks can cause illnesses to occupants, especially if ingested.
Lastly, Category 3 water is the most severe level of water damage. It involves water leaks from extremely unsanitary water sources that are often referred to as highly contaminated “black water”. The water damage contains harmful bacteria or chemicals that can cause diseases, serious illnesses, or even death if not taken care of quickly and properly. Professional services are necessary to thoroughly and safely treat Category 3 water damage.
Common Causes of Category 3 Water Damage
Homeowners need to understand where Category 3 water damage comes from in order to quickly identify and address leaks when they occur. Events like major storms or plumbing failures often trigger Category 3 water damage. However, there are various reasons that black water leaks can occur. Here are a few examples of Category 3 water damage.
- Wastewater backups inside the home, increasing sewage contamination risks.
- Floodwater from rivers, lakes, or rainfall entering from the outside.
- Long-standing water that has deteriorated in quality.
- Toilet overflowing with human waste.
Signs Your Home May Have Category 3 Water Damage
Prolonged exposure to and unexpected contact with black water can pose serious health risks to occupants. It’s essential that homeowners identify Category 3 water damage early on before it leads to major health problems or spreads to other areas of your home.
Fortunately, there are signs that homeowners can look for to notice that black water cleanup is needed. These indicators often require immediate action and professional services to restore the affected area. Take note of the following:
- Strong sewage or foul odors near affected areas.
- Black or dark-colored standing water.
- Contaminated debris, sediment, or visible waste.
- Water backing up through sinks, bathtubs, or floor drains.
Initial Safety Steps Homeowners Should Take
While you may want to attempt to handle Category 3 water damage yourself, it takes a professional level of expertise and equipment to properly take care of black water damage. DIY water damage cleanup can also lead to health complications if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Instead, homeowners should contact professionals and wait safely for their arrival. Below are some more ways homeowners can stay safe before the professionals arrive.
- Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas.
- Shut off electricity if water is near outlets or appliances.
- Avoid contact with the water to prevent illness.
- Document the damage from a safe distance.
How to Reduce the Risk of Future Category 3 Water Events
Protecting your home from Category 3 water damage is often about prevention. Proactive maintenance, drainage control, and early intervention can all reduce the risk of black water intrusion. Here are some preventative strategies for Windsor homeowners.
- Maintain sewer lines and schedule routine inspections.
- Install backflow prevention devices where needed.
- Clear gutters and drainage systems before storms.
However, there is only so much in a homeowner’s control, and even with all the right steps, Category 3 water damage is still possible. That’s why it’s important to always be prepared to act in case of a Category 3 water leak and to know which professional services to contact.
Windsor’s Trusted Experts for Category 3 Water Damage Recovery
ServiceMaster of Weld County offers a wide range of restoration services, including assistance for Category 3 water damage. Our top priority is to make sure that your property gets as close to its pre-loss state as possible and to stop the damage in its tracks.
We also work with homeowners to minimize the risk of future water intrusion and coordinate with insurance providers for potential coverage. At ServiceMaster of Weld County, we do everything we can to restore your peace of mind as well as your property.
