1. Water Damage

Restoration Types And Meaning

 

Category 1 – A water source that does not pose an immediate threat to humans, this water is classified as “Clean Water."

Examples: Broken water lines, tub or sink overflow, or appliances involving plumbed water supplies.

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Category 2 – A water source known as "Gray Water." Gray Water contains a significant amount of chemical, biological, or physical contaminants. Gray Water can cause discomfort or sickness when exposed to or even consumed. Category 2 contains micro-organisms.

Examples: Toilet bowels containing urine, sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure, and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

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Category 3 – A water source known as “Black Water." Black water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria, and fungi, leading to severe discomfort or sickness. Category 3 water quickly contaminates indoor environments. Category 3 includes sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, or standing water. Category 2 water not immediately removed from the premises or remains stagnant may evolve into Category 3.

Examples: Toilet back flows that originated from beyond the toilet trap or flood water.

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2. Water Damage and What To Do

 

Category 1 Loss –  If possible, remove the contents from the water to ensure minimal damage. This step can be accomplished by moving floor contents to a non-affected area or propping furniture up on risers, ensuring they are removed from water during dehumidification. The materials can dry in place and provides a better situation for damage analysis when items require removal.

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Category 2 Loss –  If possible, remove the contents from the water quickly. We recommend moving the items from the contaminated area to an onsite cleaning station. Using anti-bacterial wipes ensures the destruction of microbial organisms that may linger on items. Our team will perform proper handling, cleaning, and storage of your contents until the structure is cleaned, cleared and sanitized. The items must be cleaned with an anti-microbial solution immediately after removal to reduce cross-contamination. If the homeowner or property manager comes in contact with the Category 2 water, we advise they stay aware of what they are touching to avoid cross-contamination and to avoid exposure of bacteria to the body. We recommend thoroughly scrubbing all body parts that came into contact with the contaminated water.​

 

Category 3 Loss – Remove yourself from the property. Your safety is the ultimate priority. Be aware if your clothing touched the contaminated water. If your clothes are contaminated, promptly remove and dispose of them to prevent cross-contamination. Be careful not to walk from contaminated areas to un-contaminated areas otherwise you will contaminate the unaffected area. After a serious analysis, we will create a non-salvageable list or “Total Loss Inventory” to ensure compensation by the insurance carrier for your damaged items.

 

3. Water Damage Solution

 

Category 1 –Without taking the appropriate measures and removing any hazardous or delicate contents from the area, the items can be further damaged and become non-salvageable. If they sit for an extended period, mold can develop and cause additional environmental hazards.

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Category 2 – If not promptly addressed, category 2 can grow into  Category 3. In the event it becomes a category 3 loss, we advise disposing of all porous or absorbent contents. Few personal possessions will usually salvageable. If Superior Contents does not handle the materials, we recommend removing all affected items. A general contractor or homeowner will not have the training and equipment to correctly clean and prevent re-contamination or cross-contamination. 

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Category 3 –Without rapid response in identifying salvageable and non-salvageable items, all contents may be destroyed. There is a possibility that without proper documentation of lost items and belongings that the insured will not receive compensation for unlisted items. If handled personally, the contents may result in severe infection and bodily injury.