What Is Category 1 Water Damage?

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Category 1 water damage in a Clearfield, UT, building.

When you have water damage in your building, it is important to clean it up and dry your property out as quickly as possible to avoid additional damage. The type of restoration that needs to be done can vary depending on whether the damage is from clean water, grey water, or black water. Different types of water damage are classified according to category.

What Category 1 Water Damage Is

Category 1 water damage is usually the easiest type of water damage to deal with because it is water from a clean source. There are multiple examples of sources of category 1 damage:

• Broken pipe
• Broken supply line
• Overflow from a clean sink or tub
• Some appliance leaks

The distinguishing feature of this type of water damage is that it doesn't contain harmful bacteria or chemicals that require protective gear when cleaning it up.

What To Do When You Have Category 1 Water Damage

The first thing to do is shut off the source of the clean water. If the water is coming from a broken pipe, shut off the water to your house. If it is an overflowing sink or tub, turning off the tap should work. If you have an appliance that is leaking, unplug it, shut off the water and disconnect the supply line. You may need to place towels around the base to soak up any water that is still coming out.

Once you have shut off the source of the water, clean up the water damage as soon as possible. You can use a mop and bucket, sponges, or a wet/dry vacuum. Wet carpeting can be difficult to fully dry and may need to be replaced. If there is a lot of water damage, you may want to contact a water restoration company in Clearfield, UT. Some types of water damage may be covered by your insurance company. Contact your insurance professional to find out if you should file a claim.

Why It is Important To Dry Your Property Quickly

Mold and mildew thrive in wet conditions and can begin growing in 24 to 48 hours after water damage. The faster you can dry out your property, the less likely you are to experience mold growth. This may also help you avoid other problems, such as warping and rot. Additionally, standing water that sits for too long can become contaminated and may require professional cleaning services to be safely removed.

How You Can Avoid Future Problems

Avoid overflows by not letting sinks and tubs run while unsupervised. Have your appliances regularly maintained. Check for signs of a water leak, such as musty odors, unusual sounds, water pressure issues, stains, discolored water, or unexplained increases in your water bill. Fix or replace leaking pipes promptly. Insulate your pipes in cold weather to avoid potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. Drain your pipes if your building will not be in use for extended periods.

Water damage from clean water is the easiest type of water damage to deal with. However, it still requires prompt attention to avoid unnecessary additional damage to your property.