Determining the source of water is required when perform an assessment of the damage.  The level of contamination must be considered so that procedures can be established for handling structures and materials safely while reducing potential health risks to the occupants:

Category 1 Water:  Water originating from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans such as a water heater leak or fire sprinkler break.  Also referred to as “clean water.”

Category 2 Water:  Water containing a significant degree of chemical, biological and/or physical contamination and having the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans.   This includes water from fish tanks or washing machines.  Also referred to as “gray water”.

Category 3 Water:  Grossly unsanitary water, containing pathogenic agents, arising from sewage or other contaminated water sources and having the likely of causing discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans.  This category also includes all forms of seawater, ground surface water and rising water from rivers or streams. Also referred to as "Black Water."

Mitigating your sewage loss properly is important to reduce contamination in unaffected areas of the property.  The structure is cleaned with industrial-strength cleaning agents and anti-microbial disinfectants.  Sophisticated drying equipment is set up to remove the remaining moisture from the structure.

Successful clean up of sewage-damaged structures and personal property requires that restoration professionals adhere to the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration to assure all parties of thorough, cost effective, and prompt restoration services.  

24/7 Emergency Response Number: 1-888-545-2164