Protecting your home calls for a lot of research and responsibility. You must know the possible damages you may have to go through, just to ensure that things are well-maintained.

One of the most common property damages you may encounter is caused by water. It is one of the popular reasons for home insurance claims, and it is crucial to find ways to avoid these damages from showing up.

Start protecting your home from water damage by being more educated. Learn more about the different categories of water damage so you can find out how to approach water damage restoration in Utah.

What Are the Categories of Water?

The IICRC classifies water into three categories. They pertain to the range of the contamination, after considering the water source and its quality after it goes through your property.

Category I: Sanitary Clean Water

Category I water is essentially the purest kind of water. It is distilled water, meaning it has a pH level of 7 or lower. The property from this water will stay the same, even if the water is left there for several days.

Sanitary water refers to water that is fit for human consumption. This is the classification of water that’s treated and clean. It is also used to describe water with a small amount of contamination in it.

If you have clean water, it is best that you do not use it if you do not need to. It is best to use purely for active cleaning.

Category II: Significantly Contaminated Grey Water

Category II a type of water that falls in the middle of the contamination levels in the IICRC standards. Unlike sanitary water, this one requires a lot of treatment before people can use it for a specific purpose.

This type of water is largely used as an industrial application. It includes wastewater, diluted sewage, and wastewater.

However, this water is not as clean as sanitary water. It is considered grey water, which means that it has some contamination.

Water with a pH level of 7.1-8.5 is classified as category II. Mixing a small amount of vinegar with this kind of water will result in a slightly lower pH level. This type of water has a shallow level of contaminants, so it is easy to clean up.

Category III: Grossly Contaminated Black Water

Black water is the most contaminated water of the three. The IICRC defines it as water that contains persistent or non-volatile contaminants.

Contamination can occur in this kind of water due to many sources, including but not limited to:

• Bacteria
• Organic contaminants
• Microbial growth
• Industrial processes
• Fecal matter
• Insect larva
• Heavy metals
• Radioactive substances

The IICRC classifies this type of water as having a pH level of 8.6 or higher. As for the temperature, sewage water is usually treated at a temperature of 60 degrees. However, some systems can reach up to 68 degrees.

You may opt to use this kind of water for irrigation, but it is not suitable for drinking. Even the animals may be affected by the bacteria from this kind of water.

Category Deterioration

The type of water you have may change over time. It is best to understand what your water is classified as so you can take the necessary measures to ensure that it will not cause damage to your home or property.

For instance, if your water is classified as sanitary, there is no need to worry as this kind of water is not corrosive. However, if your water is already starting to show signs of deterioration, it will leave residue in your pipes. This residue may begin to rust your pipes, causing damage to your home. 

Final Thoughts

Water is the one thing we all need to survive. It is something that most of us take for granted. However, it is essential to note that not all water can be used for the same purpose. The level of contamination in the water can also affect your property and your health.

If you need water damage restoration in Salt Lake City, UT, work with us at AAA Restoration Utah. Our team offers a wide range of water damage, removal, and restoration services throughout Utah, using our knowledge, experience, and high-quality equipment to prevent mold growth and structural damage. Contact us today to discuss what we can do for you.