Types of Flood Water

There are three different types of floodwater, each categorized by the type of contaminants present in the flood. While all types of floods can potentially cause vast amounts of water damage, black water floods are, by far, the most dangerous. Read on if your residential property in Orange County, CA has recently fallen victim to a flood.

Clean Water Floods

Category 1 floods, also known as clean water floods, are categorized by an absence of contamination. They are typically caused by a supply line burst or overflowing bathtub or shower. They are the least dangerous types of floods but are still certainly capable of causing massive amounts of water damage if left untreated. In theory, Category 1 flood water is safe for human consumption, but you should still never attempt to drink it.

Gray Water Floods

Category 2 flood water is the next step up from a clean waterflood. These floods contain some degree of contamination, although not on a lethal level. They are usually the result of overflowing household appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines. If left untreated for more than 48 hours, gray water floods can quickly turn into Category 3 floods.

Black Water Floods

Category 3 floods are the most dangerous types of floods. They are categorized by the presence of human/animal fecal matter, raw sewage, dangerous chemical, and other types of biohazards. You should never attempt any type of sewage cleanup or flood remediation by yourself when it comes to these types of floods. Instead, you need to contact professional help as soon as you can. Blackwater floods can cause catastrophic amounts of damage to your residential property if they aren’t handled quickly and correctly. Attempting to handle these types of floods by yourself is extremely dangerous due to the biohazards present in the flood itself. Contact flood remediation experts immediately if your home has fallen victim to any of the flood types listed above.

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