The Water Damage Cycle: Category 2

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

If clean water moves through walls or floors, for example, it becomes contaminated and can cause Category 2 water damage.

Dealing with water damage in Knoxville, TN, can be confusing, but it doesn’t need to be. Water damage comes in three categories, each more contaminated than the last. While flooding from a broken pipe will usually cause annoying but harmless Category 1 water damage, immediate water pipe repair and water damage repair are your best defenses against more serious problems that may arise. Even a broken freshwater pipe can lead to Category 2 water damage, which is a significantly more serious hazard than Category 1.

Where Does Category 2 Water Damage Come From?

Category 2 water can come from a variety of sources:

• Leaking washing machines
• Leaking dishwashers
• Leaking toilet tanks
• Broken aquariums or aquarium accessories

Additionally, damage done by clean water can become Category 2 water damage if not cleaned up promptly. If clean water moves through walls or floors, for example, it becomes contaminated and can cause Category 2 water damage. Water from leaking appliances such as those listed above, on the other hand, doesn’t need to age to become contaminated; it is already contaminated.

Why Does It Matter?

While not as toxic as Category 3 water, Category 2 water is still a very serious concern, and its cleanup is best left to professionals:

• Category 2 water can cause serious illness.
• Clean water can turn into Category 2 water quickly.
• Category 2 water damage can turn into Category 3 water damage, which poses even greater health risks.

Category 2 water damage is a problem that requires immediate care. It involves water that is contaminated and poses a health risk. Getting quick water damage repair to ensure that Category 2 water damage does not escalate to Category 3 is important for a safe and healthy restoration. Proper water pipe repair and/or repair of any leaking items in the building will ensure fewer health risks and more peace of mind.