Top-Notch Water Damage Restoration

Category 1 — Clean Water Clean water originates from a source that doesn't pose substantial harm to humans. Examples of clean water sources may include, but are not limited to, broken water supply lines, melting ice or snow, falling rainwater, and broken toilet tanks and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives.

Full water damage restoration of existing wet carpet, flooring, walls, and trim can be performed along with restoring any personal property that absorbed water.

A drying plan is created for the affected area, and a calculated placement of dehumidifiers and air movers is determined. Depending on the location and severity of the damage, it may be necessary to remove carpet, hardwood flooring, drywall, trim, and more in order to ensure the wet materials are thoroughly dried.

Drying commonly averages 3 to 4 days. Once all the areas are tested and measure within acceptable moisture levels, cleanup is completed and your home is ready for any construction repairs that may be necessary.

Category 2 — Gray Water Gray water contains a significant level of contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by humans or if they are exposed to it.

Examples of gray water sources may include, but are not necessarily limited to, discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine (no feces), sump pump failures, and seepage due to hydrostatic pressure.

Gray water may contain chemicals, bio-contaminants (fungal, bacterial, viral, algae), and other forms of contamination, including physical hazards.

Gray water in flooded structures that remains untreated for longer than 48 hours may change to Category 3. Damaged property from Category 2 water is treated in a gray manner on a case-by-case basis as to the severity of damage and source of the water.

A drying plan for gray water damage restoration is created and handled in much the same manner as Category 1 water. Aside from that, S & S Contracting may recommend that certain affected properties be disposed of rather than restored or remediated.

Structural materials may be removed to provide full access for air movement around any hidden wet material. Once the property is clean, a wipe down and application of an antibacterial solution are common.

Category 3 — Black Water Black water contains pathogenic agents and is highly unsanitary. Black water includes sewage and other contaminated water sources entering or affecting the indoor environment. Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap are considered black water contamination, regardless of visible content or color.

Category 3 water includes forms of flooding ground surface water and rising water from rivers or streams. Such water sources carry silt and organic matter into structures that create black water conditions.

Materials affected by black water are bagged and disposed of. Any structural materials that cannot be readily replaced are cleaned and treated with an antibacterial solution. Then, they are dried to acceptable moisture levels, so construction restoration can begin without the risk of mold and mildew growth.