Are You Dealing With Category Two Water Damage?

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

A spill from the dishwasher could be considered Category 2 water damage

How To Classify Water Damage At A Commercial Property

The three most common sources of Category Two water damage are flooded toilets, leaking appliances, and plumbing problems that require water pipe repair. Gray water does not contain solid waste, but biological, chemical, and physical contaminants are probably present. Here are a few guidelines for classifying water damage at a commercial property in Denver, CO.

Contaminated Gray Water

Category Two water damage is less contaminated than Category Three damage but still requires sanitation during cleanup. Any of the following water systems have the potential to cause a Category Two leak:

• Building controls
  
• Dishwashing appliances
  
• Equalization tanks
  
• Handwashing sinks
  
• Laundry facilities
  
• Showers
  
• Toilets
  
  

The microorganisms present in Category Two water may pose health and safety risks to the occupants of any commercial building. If leaking or standing water contains chemicals or has been exposed to biological hazards, disinfection will be necessary.

Disinfection and Cleaning
Commercial- or consumer-grade disinfectants can be used to kill microbes and pathogens that pose health risks. Regularly maintaining appliances, building systems and plumbing reduces the risk of Category Two damage. It is unlikely that a broken pipe or incident that requires water pipe repair will cause this type of damage unless it involves a sewer line break or backup. Supply lines carry clean, treated water, and initially cause Category One water damage.

Drying and Prevention
It may be possible to accelerate drying with fans or a dehumidifier. After water damage is restored, it may be possible to prevent flooded toilets, which are a common source of Category Two damage, by posting signage in bathrooms about only flushing toilet paper and providing alternate disposal methods for sanitary products.
If you are not sure about the quality of water leaking or standing in a building in Denver, CO, arrange for damage cleanup professionals to inspect the property and water pipe repair. These specialists have experience in restoring water damage.