Understanding Category 2 Water Damage

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

A spill from the dishwasher could be considered Category 2

If you need water pipe repair, you might hear the cleanup crew talking about the category classification of your damage. That categorization is important, because it lets you know the level of risk involved in exposure to the water. When you are dealing with Category 2 water damage from a broken pipe, it’s important to understand what that means, so you can be safe around the flooded area.

Category 2 Water Criteria

Water that has come into a building is classified in this category if it meets the following criteria:

• The water is from a clean source like a supply line or broken pipe needing water pipe repair.
• Biological or chemical contamination makes the water likely to irritate human tissue.
• Health complications are unlikely to be serious beyond irritation and minor discomfort.
  
  

Typically, Category 2 water starts as Category 1 water and then becomes contaminated due to exposure to building materials, sources of biological contamination, and so forth. Over time, it is possible for Category 2 water to degrade further.

Understanding Category 2 Water Cleanup

Since there are health risks involved in cleaning up Category 2 water, it’s important to understand what to do after a broken pipe has caused water to mix with potentially harmful materials.

1. Turn off the water main. This is a vital first step.
2. Contact a damage restoration company in Wichita, KS with Category 2 cleanup certification.
3. Secure the area to prevent exposure.
4. Make sure water pipe repair is handled as quickly as possible.
   
   

Avoiding the flooded area is going to be important, especially if there are small children or people with health vulnerabilities to skin irritants and other problems that could be exacerbated by irritants. After certified cleanup professionals in Wichita, KS finish with the area, it will be safe to re-enter, but until that time, it’s important to keep the area clear.