Flood categories explained

Flood Water Explained

The types of flood water, drying process and more.

Water damage can originate from many different sources within the household such as a broken dishwasher hose, a washing machine overflow, a dishwasher leakage, broken/leaking pipes, and clogged toilets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 13.7% of all water used in the home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks. A tiny, 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to an incredible 250 gallons of water a day. When it comes to flood water, this is no different. Excessive rainfall, high coastal tides and rivers overflowing can bring with them large volumes of water and all sorts of bugs, germs and unpleasantries that can seriously harm your health.

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Flood restoration services

As far as insurance coverage is concerned, most damage caused by bad weather is considered flood damage and normally is not covered under homeowners insurance. Coverage for bad weather would usually require flood insurance so if you live in a high risk area, you need to be aware of this.

It doesn’t take long for any type of flood water to damage hundreds of pounds worth of furniture, flooring, carpets and electrical materials. Not only that, but the different types of flood water, such as blackwater floods pose serious health risks. Tempest Restoration respond upon short notice and will be able to assist you immediately should flooding occur in your home or business.

Their are 3 major categories of flood water you should be aware of. They include:

Category 1 Water - Clearwater

Category 1 (classified as clearwater) refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans. Although clearwater does not immediately pose a health risk like greywater or blackwater, it damages furniture, building structures and could potentially be life threatening if it comes into contact with live electrical circuits. Not only that, but clearwater can turn into greywater and then into blackwater in a matter of days. Here at Tempest Restoration, we respond quickly and efficiently to all types of flood crisis and provide you with immediate assistance should a flooding occur in your home or business.

Examples of clearwater are broken water supply lines, bath or sink overflows or any appliance malfunction that is connected to a water supply lines.

Category 2 Water - Grey Water

Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Known as 'Grey Water'. This type carries micro organisms and nutrients of micro organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no faeces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

Category 3 Water - Black Water

Known as "Black Water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affects the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originates from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.

How Tempest Restoration can help you

Tempest Restoration is a member of the British Damage Management Association (BDMA), and we have expert technicians operating across the country who are ready to help you fast!

We respond immediately after being notified of a flood crisis in homes or offices. By calling us here at Tempest Restoration, you will not have to wait for surveyors to come and inspect the flood crisis, therefore saving you days of water damage. The longer you leave standing water in a property, the quicker it will become a health risk.

We will extract the flood water out of a building and carry out the relevant tests and inspections to ensure decontamination of the property. We will then dry out the affected area completely. If a property isn't dried out properly, dampness will begin to develop. This will cause furniture, walls, ceilings and wood to start to rot away.

Our priority it making sure that your poverty is returned to its pre-incident state quickly and efficiently. Whilst cleaning and restoring your property, we will also check for any structural damage which could potentially put you at risk.

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FAQs

A. Here at Tempest Restoration we have been providing flood restoration services to properties across the UK. In that time we have dealt with water damage of all scales. Over the years have not only been involved in 1000's of small domestic disaster restoration claims but also major incidents from the Cumbrian floods to the Buncefield fire at the oil storage terminal in Hertfordshire. Our continuous investment in the very latest flood drying equipment and technician training enables us to handle professionally any size and scale of flood damage. Our aim is to provide a prompt, professional and reliable disaster restoration service to domestic and commercial property owners.

A. We are fully equipped to clean up flood damage after all types of flood. Over the years we have helped thousands of homeowners and businesses alike recover from Coastal flooding, River flooding, Flash flooding, Groundwater flooding and Sewer flooding. Read our guide on common types of flood water. We are able to deal with all types of water including clean water, grey water (a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to) and black water (water which contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness). Read our guide on common categories of water. Floods can be caused for many different reasons. Heavy rainfall, storm water, river flooding, coastal surges, leaking/burst pipes or human error are all typical causes of flood water in the home or business premises. The source of the ingress isn't always visible neither. Water can trace itself to a point from a large distance away from the entry source. Here at Tempest we have specialist detection equipment for trace and access on water ingression to a property.

A. Flood water can devastate a property. The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface. At this point, the potential damage done to a structure that you may not have been aware of can be large in scale. Or, it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property. Whatever the cause, primary flood damage is just the beginning and you need to act fast to minimise the consequences of secondary damage. Your home is full of porous materials that absorb water like a sponge which will damage structural integrity. Water causes corrosion and damages electrical equipment which can be fatal if not identified. Residual moisture becomes water vapour throughout the building which will condense. If the water is not completely removed it can lead to dry rot and a high risk of microbial growth e.g. mould and bacteria which is damaging to your health and isnt always something visible to the naked eye like typical black mould in a bathroom.

A. After a safety assessment, we look to identify the cause of the water leak or ingress using various tools and equipment. Our experienced team of technicians will look to make a decision on the best course of action for your situation. The next stage utilises advanced water removal equipment followed by rapid drying technology and humidity control to remove the water and moisture from the property.

A. Their are many potential health risks associated with flood water. Apart from the initial potential risk of drowning, the further potential risks to your health very much depend upon the nature of the water. We are able to deal with all types of water including clean water, grey water (a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to) and black water (water which contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness). If there is any possibility of contamination DO NOT TOUCH IT, call Tempest Restoration on 0845 052 4522. Read our guide on common categories of water.

A. Every case is different and their are many factors that make up the scale of damage and repair required due to flood damage of a property. We recommend a site survey to ascertain the level of damage and repair required. Once on site, we are able to quickly advise on the best course of action to bring about the most effective recovery. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures the remediation process will be thorough, effective and as fast as possible, returning your home or business to normality as quickly as possible. Using the latest technology and with highly experienced technicians, our aim is to complete the restoration in the best way to reduce costs and prevent secondary damage in the future.

A. Every flood is unique and as such the timescale is dependent on many variations and factors. A small scale water leak is usually quiker to repair than large scale flooding caused by a river overflowing. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will assess the damage and act fast and efficiently to provide a tailored and precise response to your properties specific requirements. The use of modern equipment, rapid drying technology and working practise means that your home or business will be safely and quickly returned to normal, minimising disruption and cost.

A. We operate across the UK with technicians available in major towns and cities. Our head office is based in Swaffham, Norfolk where we undertake all our training.

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