How to Clean Category 3 Water Damage

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Drying a commercial building after water damage in Feasterville, PA

How to Clean Category 3 Water Damage

Flood water can leave your business in Feasterville, PA, inoperable. You need to get it cleaned and restored quickly to minimize lost revenue and impact on your customers. Since category 3 water is considered the most contaminated of all water sources, it is important to clean it correctly and minimize your exposure.

1. Identify the Source
Identifying where the water came from is usually a good first step in determining its potential for contaminants. Some common sources of category 3 water are a flood, a burst sewage line, and a toilet overflow.
2. Protect Yourself
This type of water can contain pathogens that may be harmful to human health such as viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, and environmental toxins. You should not make contact with the water. If you must, then you should wear protective clothing or gloves and wash with soap afterward.
3. Dry the Area
In the case of flood water, you will probably need someone with specialized equipment to extract the water. Professionals may use industrialized blowers to complete the drying process in as little time as possible.
4. Disinfect
Even after the water is gone, the area is still unsafe to enter because harmful substances can be left behind. If you are dealing with only a small area, like a bathroom floor, you could use a bleach solution to disinfect. However, larger areas will need the help of a professional with access to a variety of disinfectants and biocides.
5. Restore and Replace Damaged Items
Some materials may have sustained a considerable amount of damage and may need to be replaced. Carpet that has been submerged could need to be pulled up and replaced or new drywall might need to be installed.
Returning your business to normal after flood water damage involves more than just wiping up the water. By working with a professional restoration company, you can have your building restored as quickly and safely as possible.